Van der Flier learning to celebrate the rewards...as they continue to pile up

The Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year award just the latest to be put up on a mantle piece that may be buckling under the weight of it all

TOP MAN: Rúaidhrí O’Connor and Rory Sheridan present Josh Van der Flier with the Men’s Player of the Year Award. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

Experience has taught Josh van der Flier how to improve as a player. Familiarity has bred a greater ease with the job at hand and propelled him into the top tier of the world’s rugby players. Yet he still squirms under the spotlight that has come with individual awards.

There has been no shortage of them.