Josh van der Flier embracing senior status in Ireland squad

A debutant at 22 years of age against England in February 2016, the Wicklow native now finds himself one of the more experienced figures in a squad that currently includes 12 uncapped players

Josh van der Flier. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

More than most, Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier understands how welcome it is for supporters to be back in the stands at the Aviva Stadium.

A try-scorer at home to Wales in the Six Nations Championship on February 8 of last year, the Leinster openside also touched down when spectators finally returned to the Lansdowne Road venue for last Saturday’s summer series win over Japan. A lot had changed in the 511 days that separated these two fixtures and van der Flier was glad to get a reminder of what life used to be like for a professional rugby player.