Player of the Autum
Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier is named Player of the Autumn Nations Series.
Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier is named Player of the Autumn Nations Series.
Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier has been crowned Player of the Series for this year’s Autumn Nations Series, winning the public vote by just three percent.
Van der Flier was in impressive form throughout last month and started all of Ireland’s fixtures as they won three out of four internationals during November.
He secured 37% of the public vote on the Autumn Nations Series website and edged Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe, who finished with 34% after a solid series.
Van der Flier wins prize
France fly-half Thomas Ramos and All Blacks flanker Wallace Sititi were the other players nominated for the award, with their percentages not yet released.
Van der Flier was the winner, however, as he and Ireland bounced back from an opening defeat to New Zealand to overcome Argentina, Fiji and the Wallabies.
The tireless openside flanker never took a backward step and, alongside the likes of Caelan Doris and Tadhg Beirne in the Ireland back-row, was in great form.
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year scored his team’s only try against New Zealand in that 23-13 loss and would also cross against Fiji and the Wallabies.
Van der Flier will now hope to carry his impressive form into the 2025 Six Nations where Ireland are looking to defend the crown they won earlier in the year.
Kolbe returns to Toulon
Meanwhile, second-placed Kolbe will not pull on a Springboks jersey until July as he returns to club action in Japan after another excellent international season.
Ramos will soon be back on club duty for Toulouse while Chiefs and All Blacks star Sititi enjoys a breather before Super Rugby Pacific starts up on February 14.
