Named World Player of the Year after his excellent performances for Ireland, powerful flanker Josh van der Flier looks to help clinch his nation their fifth Six Nations title.
Josh van der Flier Profile
| Josh van der Flier | |
| Nation | Ireland |
| Place of Birth | Wicklow, Ireland |
| Age | 29 |
| Club | Leinster |
| Position | Flanker |
| Height | 6ft 1in |
| Weight | 106.5 kg |
| International Caps | 45 |
| International Points | 45 |
Who is Josh van der Flier?
Josh van der Flier is currently the world's best rugby player and is a member of Ireland's international rugby union team. Across his 45 appearances for his nation he has registered 45 points.
Where is Josh van der Flier from?
Van der Flier was born in Wicklow, Ireland - a small town just south of Dublin on the east coast of the island.
However, with his surname being far from a traditional Irish one, it will be no shock to learn that the hard-hitting flanker is in fact of Dutch descent, with his paternal grandparents having moved to Ireland in the 1950s.
He is commonly referred to by many in rugby as "The Dutch Disciple".
How old is Josh van der Flier?
Van der Flier is 29 years old, he was born on 25th April 1993.
What club does Josh van der Flier play for?
Van der Flier has spent his entire professional career at Leinster, making his debut in 2014 whilst still in the academy and earning his first senior contract the following year.
He has since gone on to make 122 appearances for the Dublin-based side, racking up 115 points in that period.
What position does Josh van der Flier play?
His preferred, and best, position is as a flanker, but van der Flier's talented nature has meant that he has been known to play in other positions when needed.
Van der Flier takes part in the warmup ahead of a match against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 12th November 2021
What has Josh van der Flier done outside of rugby?
Given that he is the best player in the world, and is so dedicated to training that during the Covid-19 pandemic he moved in with team-mate Peter Dooley to build a makeshift gym in the garden, you'd be forgiven for thinking that rugby is the only thing in van der Flier's life.
However, the flanker is just as intelligent off of the pitch as he is on it, holding a first-class Master of Business Administration degree from the Dublin Business School - something he completed in 2020 whilst playing for Ireland.
Why does Josh van der Flier wear a red scrum cap?
When watching Ireland it is never hard to spot Van der Flier due to his bright red scrum cap, and that is exactly why he wears it.
The flanker first started wearing it in his school days, in order to match his red kit, and since then he has decided to keep it as he became known as 'the lad with the red scrum cap'.
How many tries has Josh van der Flier scored?
Van der Flier has scored nine tries for Ireland across his 45 appearances.
Ireland Six Nations Outright odds
To Win Outright - 11/8
Grand Slam - 3/1
Triple Crown - 11/8
To Finish Bottom - 80/1
Top 2 Finish - 4/9
Bottom 2 Finish - 16/1
Top Point Scoring Nation - 11/8
Top Tryscoring nation - 11/8
View all Rugby Union odds markets here
