'He knows exactly what we think of him': Farrell lauds non-Test Lion Van der Flier

Owen Farrell, assistant coach Jonathan Sexton and Josh van der Flier. Pic: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Andy Farrell lauded Josh van der Flier as the epitome of a British & Irish Lions tourist after explaining why the former World Rugby men’s player of the year will not be playing a minute of Test rugby in Australia.

The head coach has stuck with a tried and tested starting back row for Saturday’s third and final Test against the Wallabies with Tom Curry retained in van der Flier’s position at openside flanker alongside Irish duo Tadhg Beirne, on the blindside, and No.8 Jack Conan.