Leicester Tigers have enjoyed jam-packed home crowds during the first half of the 21/22 campaign, as well as strong support on the road in domestic and European rugby.
However, this afternoon in Galway, Leicester supporters are locked out of the match due to Connacht being forced into reduced capacity on crowd numbers in line with COVID-19 protocols in Ireland.
Borthwick admitted a lack of Leicester support, which Tigers are used to, is disappointing for the group.
“Our fans have been incredible so far this season, home and away, so we are very disappointed that we won’t have any in the Sportsground stands on Saturday afternoon," said Borthwick.
“Wherever they are watching on from this weekend, I want to thank them ahead of time for their support from afar and reassure them we know they are behind us.
"We say it every week, we want to put performances in that our supporters will be proud of each weekend. It isn't a throw away line to us, it is something we talk about; being in a privileged position to represent this club.
"What we learned during the past two seasons, without crowds, is just how much they mean to us and - especially at Leicester Tigers - we are blessed to have the fans we do behind us."
Discussing Leicester's opponents in Round 3 of the 21/22 Heineken Champions Cup, Borthwick said: “We know Connacht are a good side, with quality players throughout their team who are very well led by an experienced coach in Andy Friend.
"He has been in Galway now for a number of seasons and built up a strong squad in that time, which have a great understanding of another after playing a lot of rugby together, and a coaching team that has worked together for a while which you are seeing the benefit of with their results on the pitch.
"Looking at their team for this weekend, I think they average more than 100 appearances per player for Connacht across their backline. Experience is great, experience together as a group is even more important.
“They have a tough forward pack, with a hard-working back row, and some exceptional players in their backline with pace out wide.
“Connacht are a dangerous side and play some excellent attacking rugby, which causes issues for their opposition when they move the ball around."
