The Ospreys finished with five defeats from six games as they slipped to a 36-3 reverse at triple European Champions Leinster on Friday night.
It was a frustrating end to a difficult continental adventure after the Celtic League’s most-successful side were also drawn with in-form English outfit Northampton Saints and reigning French Champions Castres Olympique in Pool 1.
But, while Rees admits his side struggled at times against the best Europe has to offer, he insists his players gave their absolute all to try and make their fans proud.
“To be fair to our players, be they experienced internationals or young players coming into the group, they always front up,” said Rees.
“They do take a lot of pride in the shirt and they always give full commitment.
“I think the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game in the end, despite how valiantly we battled. They could have had a couple more to put a bit more gloss on the scoreboard, we had to scramble a bit, but I think that would have been a bit harsh on us.
“We don’t have the depth that Leinster, or the likes of Northampton do, so it was always going to be a big ask. That’s not an excuse, it’s reality, and that means you are up against it from the beginning. But, saying that, when we review our Heineken Cup campaign I know it will show that on occasion, we’ve been the architects of our own downfall at times over the six matches.”
Next up for the Ospreys is a brace of clashes with English opposition in the LV= Cup as they travel to Devon to face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday before hosting Sale Sharks at Brewery Field in Bridgend the following Friday.
The Ospreys are yet to win in the competition this term but back-to-back bonus point successes might just be enough to see them sneak into the semi-finals.
