Ireland's flanker Josh van der Flier is currently balancing his aspirations for the British and Irish Lions selection with his commitments to Leinster in the United Rugby Championship. With the Lions' squad announcement imminent, van der Flier emphasizes the significance of staying focused on his current team's objectives.

Focus on the Present

Van der Flier, who has earned 73 caps for Ireland and was named the world player of the year in 2022, expressed that being selected for the Lions would be a 'huge honor.' However, he is consciously avoiding overthinking the possibility, focusing instead on his upcoming match against Zebre.

Team Dynamics and Injuries

The Leinster team is also grappling with the injury of Caelan Doris, a key player and potential Lions captain, who sustained a serious shoulder injury. Van der Flier praised Doris's leadership and intensity, hoping for his swift recovery to bolster the team's performance in the season's crucial stages.

Leinster's Championship Aspirations

Despite recent setbacks, including a challenging loss to Northampton Saints, Leinster aims to secure the top seed in the upcoming URC play-offs. Van der Flier highlighted the emotional toll of exiting high-stakes tournaments but reaffirmed the team's ambition to excel in all competitions.

Conclusion

As the rugby community awaits the Lions' squad announcement, van der Flier's dual focus on his immediate responsibilities with Leinster and his potential future with the Lions encapsulates the dedication and resilience inherent in professional sports.