I see Ethienne is going to Bermuda with a Saracens squad. No mention if it is a trial of a short term contract for him.

www.saracens.com/squad-heading-to-bermuda-on-monday/

Edit: I just notice that it includes a number of former saracens players and guest players. He is obviously one of the former players.

Rory McTiernan wrote: Did you know him on a personal level?and if he was so great why hasnt he been kept on,I wish he had in a way we are light at hooker.

By the same token, to qualify your comments, did you...?

Rory, perhaps it's a double standard, folks can come on here and say what a grand guy a player is all they want but are not allowed to say a single cross word about one, but it's probably best to keep any criticism of Ethienne to his playing ability and leave the personal stuff out of it. People will quickly start to discount anything you say when your initial post on any topic includes some disparaging personal remark.

Did you know him on a personal level?and if he was so great why hasnt he been kept on,I wish he had in a way we are light at hooker.

Not sure of your sources Rory. I've got to know Ethienne very well over the pat 2 years. He's an absolute gent, had a genuine interest in Ireland and our culture and had impeccable manners. He was always respectful and-in my view- gave his all to to Connacht cause. I think anybody else who knew him would say the same.

sources lads sources

Rory McTiernan wrote: Ethienne wasnt a gent he wasnt likes by coaches apparently couldnt throw and was probably overpaid good riddance!

And you can prove any of that how precisely...?

You seem to be in a group of one... again..

And yet he spoke so highly of you.

Ethienne wasnt a gent he wasnt likes by coaches apparently couldnt throw and was probably overpaid good riddance!

Thanks very much Ethienne.. I admired you as a player you gave your all to the Cause and best of luck with your next career move.

Somewhat related to this story, I contacted Flavin and Macca on twitter with the following message and they got back to us:

Connacht Clan wrote: Flav/Macca, we were hoping to present you with a Connacht clan pennant last night as a thank you for everything you've given us over the years but it was obviously a pretty hectic night and we couldn't get to you! Let us know if there's some way we can send it on to you, THANKS!

Adrian Flavin wrote: Hi guys, that's very nice of you. Sorry I didn't get around to you, it was a pretty hectic and emotional night. If you send it to the Club they'll make sure I get it. Thanks.

Mike McCarthy wrote: That's very kind of you, thankyou! Thanks for all the support I've loved my time in Galway & u guys been fantastic. See u soon macca

Dropped the two pennants into the branch this morning and they said they'd pass them on

He finished with a flourish last night too, on a night when far too may were below par.

I met Ethienne outside the ground as he was leaving, handed him one of our Connacht Clan pennants as a token of our appreciation for all his hard work, he seemed to genuinely appreciate it.

I wish him all the best, acknowledged the crowd coming off which was nice to see. He was a 100% player often to his detriment. His attitude will be missed but I think its the right move at this stage. I've no doubt he'll get a contract elsewhere.

Once a player is committed to the cause he has my full respect. This lad was and I'm sure he'll be welcomed back if he visits Connacht in the future.

have a soft spot for Ethienne, an absolute gent, would make time for anyone. Sad to see him go, wishing good fortune on him for the future.

We were in for an NIQ hooker but it fell through. Don't know a name