2. Josh van der Flier – From World Rugby Player of the Year to Overlooked on Tour
Crowned World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in 2022, Josh van der Flier arrived on the 2025 Lions tour with big expectations. Yet, in a stark contrast to his stellar individual accolades, he hasn’t featured in any Test match squad, nor has he been named on the bench — with Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne preferred in the back row.
Despite showing his usual work-rate and skill in midweek games, Van der Flier’s role on tour has been largely peripheral, and with fierce competition for starting spots, his chances of appearing in the final Test seem slim unless the series is already decided.
For a player once regarded as a guaranteed Lions pick, this tour has been a clear step back, highlighting the brutal realities of elite squad selection.
Like this:
Like Loading…