London Welsh head into the last round of the Aviva Premiership against Saracens this afternoon with an unwanted cloud hanging over their heads.
Failure to pick up at least two points at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium will see them labelled as, statistically, the Premiership’s worst team in history.
A draw would leave them tied with Rotherham Titans’ total from 2003-04.
Sitting at the foot of the table with one bonus point, the Exiles’ relegation back to the Greene King IPA Championship was confirmed in March.
If they concede 57 points to Saracens, Welsh’s tally of points against in the league this season would reach 1,000.
However, head coach Rowland Phillips is only demanding one thing this weekend – a performance.
“It would be nice to get a win, draw, losing bonus point or whatever,” he said.
“What I have told the players is the off-season becomes a long time so you need to finish the season on a high.
“If that is being able to feel proud of what we have done then that will carry on through pre-season.
“There are a lot of things that would be nice, but there are things we can control like attitude.”
Last week’s 46-0 loss at leaders Northampton Saints condemned the Exiles to their 21st league defeat of the season.
While Phillips is not shying away from the stats, he is eager to focus on the positives.
He added: “We can’t hide away from the fact that the league table is extremely disappointing.
“But it is about getting your head up and being proud of your environment and, to be fair, what we have now built is a team.
“At Northampton, we finished the game off fighting and scrapping to defend properly.
“There is certainly developing a real great attitude.
“It is clear how the table is going to go. For them to continue enjoying what they are doing is outstanding.”
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