Andy Farrell Lions Omissions Set Josh van der Flier’s Fire Alight
Josh van der Flier is ready to channel the “frustration” of being overlooked for the British and Irish Lions Tests into a red-hot season for Leinster and Ireland.
The 32-year-old impressed in the iconic red jersey Down Under, but Andy Farrell, who led the Lions and now returns to manage Ireland, opted for a different mix of back-row options in Australia.
Tom Curry started all three Tests, with Farrell favoring England’s Ben Earl and Wales’ Jac Morgan for cover.
“I got a good chat with him,” said van der Flier. “He said it was kind of his gut feeling on it, and the balance of the back row and everything. So that was kind of how he felt about it. Definitely good motivation for me.
“It’s always the same way: if you did play, you’d have confidence and you also get motivation that way as well, but definitely motivation to try and, I suppose, an element of wanting to prove myself.
“The goal is always to be as good as I can be. And it’s obviously an opportunity to get better in some way. I’ve spoken to Faz. He’s given me things to work on, and I’m excited now, and it’s great to be into the season.”
Van der Flier is the epitome of composure off the pitch. Yet, even the most measured player admitted mixed feelings about his Lions adventure.
“It was hard to take, definitely, yeah. The goal was always to start Test matches. It was obviously great to get on it… It was a funny one, because there’s a lot of processing afterward, on time off, just thinking about things.
“Because if you’d said as a child, or pretty much any stage all the way up to the day they named the squad, if you’re just picked on the squad and played a game, you’d be like ‘brilliant’, you know what I mean? Just to get to do that.
“But then the goal was always to play in a Test match. So it was definitely a bit of frustration with it. In fairness to Andy, I spoke to him each of the last three weeks, and he’s very open and honest. Just kind of said his opinion.
“It was mixed. It was an unbelievable experience as well. Obviously, you’re a team at the end of the day, and it was great to see the other lads do well and get the series when. So it was a cool experience, but it was obviously mixed emotions.”
Leinster welcomed six Lions back last week as they clinched their first URC victory of the season against the Sharks at the Aviva Stadium.
Another portion of Farrell’s touring squad will feature when the province faces Munster at Croke Park this weekend.
RG Snyman, fresh from a Rugby Championship triumph with the Springboks, returns alongside his fellow Lions. If their impact mirrors van der Flier’s, Leinster could be in formidable shape.
It’s the @bankofireland #NeverStopCompeting moment of the week.
Josh van der Flier beat 4️⃣ defenders, made 2️⃣ dominant tackles and bagged a try as he captained Leinster for the first time on Saturday!
Leading by example #NeverLessThanEverything pic.twitter.com/a0nzMSDL4K
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) October 13, 2025
The openside was outstanding against the Sharks, tackling, securing turnovers, and carrying the ball with precision. Perhaps the Lions experience ignited him, but the captaincy might have played a role, too.
Van der Flier donned the armband for the first time since leading his sixth-year cricket team, stepping in while Leo Cullen returned from South Africa.
“It was probably a combination of things, obviously, my first game back. I actually finished the season ready to play because I didn’t play the last couple of weeks on tour, so I was ready to play at the end of the season. Then you just have to switch off for a few weeks.
“It was probably an excitement to get back as well.”
Van der Flier’s hunger is evident. With Andy Farrell’s oversight and some personal motivation, Leinster’s season could be off to a flying start.
