Star flank Josh van der Flier is using the departures of senior coach Stuart Lancaster and veteran Johnny Sexton as extra motivation for Leinster to kick on and push for the Champions Cup title.
The Irish giants welcome French side La Rochelle to Dublin for the European final this weekend in a replay of last season’s decider that saw Leinster come up short.
The massive clash will be the last involvement for Lancaster who will join Racing 92 as director of rugby from next season, whilst Johnny Sexton will in all likelihood hang up his boots.
🗣️ "I do genuinely mean that. I would like to come back."
🔵 Stuart Lancaster believes he will be back in Ireland to coach.https://t.co/ST6OHeJ9d9
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 16, 2023
Reigning World Player of the Player Van der Flier insists whilst such a big clash does not need additional motivation, the departure of such influential figures does bring an extra edge.
“Invaluable” lessons
The flank reserved special praise for Lancaster who has been key in his development over the last couple of seasons.
“I don’t think you need much more motivation for a game like this but I think Stuart has done so much for me personally since he’s come to Leinster,” Van der Flier told RTÉ Sport.
“As a former No 7 himself, he’s been invaluable to me and has helped me grow as a player a huge amount.
“Johnny, in the same way, has made this club the success it has been over the last number of years that he’s been involved.
“It’s no coincidence really, and the same with Ireland, so they are two people who have motivated me a huge amount and even looking at the like of Dave Kearney, he’s been there for so many of the great days and Leinster.
“There’s a number of players all throughout the squad.
“James Tracy, who unfortunately had to retire earlier in the season, they all motivate you, you want to do it for them because they are part of that Leinster family.
“In terms of motivation, playing in front of our home fans, our families, there will be no shortage of motivation. Stuart and Johnny [above left] will be in the back of my mind playing the game anyway.
“I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned specifically [within the group], it might be later in the week but it’s definitely something I’ll be thinking of personally, in terms of my own motivation.”
Big battle awaits
The superstar reserved some praise for La Rochelle and in particular their pack of forwards. Van der Fliers expects another big battle this weekend.
“They’ve been brilliant all season, as they have been for the last three years, to get to three Heineken Champions Cup finals in a row is very impressive,” he said.
“Full credit to them, they’ve shown their consistency. They’ve got dangerous backs, really big physical pack and they have shown their class and consistency over the last few years.
“It will be a big challenge, the same as last year. They have some individuals who are key to the way they play, they use them pretty well and we expect a tough game against a brilliant team.”
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