Josh van der Flier's omission from the British and Irish Lions Test team last summer still lingers as one of rugby's most baffling decisions. How could the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, a player known for his relentless consistency and aggression, be left out? It’s a question that continues to spark debate among fans and pundits alike. Van der Flier himself has since moved on, focusing on his role with Leinster and Ireland, but the sting of that decision remains a topic worth exploring.
Van der Flier, now 32, had been a standout performer on his maiden Lions tour to Australia. Starting in four games and coming off the bench in another, he showcased his trademark tenacity on both sides of the ball. Yet, when it came to the Test matches, head coach Andy Farrell opted for Tom Curry, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Ben Earl, and Jac Morgan as his preferred back-row options. Was this a tactical masterstroke or a missed opportunity? From the outside, it’s hard to see what more Van der Flier could have done to secure his spot.
The Lions went on to win the first two Tests and lose the third, but the conversation around Van der Flier’s absence never faded. Speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead of Leinster’s BKT URC clash with Munster, Van der Flier shed light on his conversations with Farrell. “I spoke to him each of the Test weeks,” he revealed. “It’s a funny one. You work your whole career to get on a Lions tour, and once you’re there, the ultimate goal is to play in the Test games. So, yeah, it was definitely disappointing.”
Farrell’s explanation? A “gut feeling” about the balance of the back row. “In fairness, he’s always really honest,” Van der Flier said. “He gives you things to work on, and he’s straight with you. But it was his decision, and that’s that.” Is ‘gut feeling’ enough justification for such a high-stakes call? It’s a question that invites differing opinions, and one that Van der Flier himself seems to have accepted, albeit with a hint of frustration.
What’s clear is that Van der Flier isn’t one to dwell on disappointment. Instead, he’s channeled it into his performances, including his recent captaincy debut for Leinster in their 31-5 win over the Sharks. With 160 caps on the horizon, he’s a player at the peak of his powers, and his focus is now firmly on Leinster’s derby clash with Munster at Croke Park this Saturday.
Munster, currently second in the table with three wins from three, are no pushovers. “They’ve been very good, very organized, and full of energy,” Van der Flier noted. “We’re expecting them at their best.” Leinster, however, have won seven of the last eight meetings, and with a squad bolstered by returning Lions, they enter the game as favorites. But in a rivalry as fierce as this, form and favorites often go out the window. Can Leinster maintain their dominance, or will Munster flip the script?
For Van der Flier, the Munster rivalry holds a special place. “It means a lot to us,” he said. “When I was younger, Munster were the dominant side, and it was always a tough watch when they played Leinster. It’s probably turned in recent years, but it’s always a huge game.” And while Leinster have had the upper hand lately, Van der Flier knows it’ll take their absolute best to secure another victory.
As for his captaincy, Van der Flier doesn’t expect to lead the side this weekend, but he reflected on the “honour” of his first time skipper since his school days. “It was a bit of a busier week, with a lot of unknowns,” he admitted. “But the lads were very helpful, and it was a cool experience.”
So, here’s the question for you: Was Andy Farrell right to omit Josh van der Flier from the Lions Test team, or did he miss out on one of the game’s most consistent performers? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below. And as Van der Flier prepares to take on Munster, one thing is certain: he’ll be giving it his all, just as he always does.
