LEINSTER’S JOSH van der Flier was announced as rugby union’s European player of the year on Saturday, just moments after the Irish province had been beaten in a thrilling Champions Cup final by La Rochelle.
The Ireland back-row forward is the third Leinster player to win the honour after Sean O’Brien (2011) and Rob Kearney (2012).
Van der Flier, 29, was presented with the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy following Leinster’s agonising 24-21 loss to French club La Rochelle in the final at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
He received an award after more than 30,000 website votes by fans were combined with the verdict of an expert panel assembled by tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby, who said Van der Flier had enjoyed an “outstanding European season”.
Van der Flier edged out team-mates Caelan Doris and James Lowe for the award, with Gregory Alldritt of La Rochelle and Toulouse’s Antoine Dupont, last year’s winner, also among the five-strong shortlist.
All credit to Josh. Superb all season.
Thoroughly deserved.
Well deserved – been excellent all season and one of the few Leinster forwards who wasn’t dominated today. Not a big man when you stand beside him but he packs a punch. Most improved player in Irish rugby
I thought was going to be Aldritt after the win (its decided very quickly after the final) but am pleasently surprised Josh got it, it’s who I voted (see earlier posts) and I’m sure many others on here did also. Has had an unreal season. Shame about today but it seems a collective let down for whatever numerous reasons being put forward but hey, let’s bring that hurt into the 2023 campaign.
Easily the best player in Europe alright. Great achievement. Well done Josh!