5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland star has Lions teammates in stitches after brutal putdown
The British and Lions tours are famous for behind the scenes access to players and coaches. Quite often, some of the most memorable moments of Lions tours comes from the documentary episodes as players from four different nations come together as one squad.
The 2025 Lions tour, under the leadership of Irish boss Andy Farrell, featured 11 Irish players including Leinster's Josh van der Flier. The 2022 world player of the year failed to make a test appearance but he has absolutely nailed Welsh captain Jac Morgan in the final part of the Ultimate Test' docu-series.
That YouTube series has taken fans behind the curtain on the 2025 tour. As part of the final episode, viewers were able to see what was happening on the team coach to the stadium ahead of the last game. Reading out suggestions for the 'Barry Crocker' (shocker) award, Van der Flier read out Morgan's message.
The Wales captain and Lions teammate's text read: "Alright Josh, boy? You should do yourself for Barry Crocker for being the only Leinster player in the original squad not to get named in the Test team!"
As Van der Flier mouthed "Ooo", the players laughed in response, with Jamie George and James Lowe lapping up the sledging. However, the Irish flanker had a very sharp and witty retort.
"That's very rich from a man who's won more games for the Lions than he has for club and country this year!" he hit back.
There was a massive roar from the players, with Ellis Genge's fist flying in the air, exchanging a smile with buddy Morgan, who was sat right next to Van der Flier.
However, this wasn't the only bit of banter dished out by Morgan, who quipped via text: "Alright Josh, boy? Any ideas for the Barry Crocker? I was thinking we do Bundee Aki for being 37 years old and his highest academic achievement is the World Rugby Anti-Doping module."
The Lions wrapped up the series against Australia after the second Test, winning with a game to spare for the first time since 1997 against South Africa.
The docu-series has given fans a number of other highlights and insights. Ireland's Dan Sheehan revealed that he has struck up a surprising bromance with England's Ellis Genge, with the Leinster man admitting he was surprised to learn that the prop was 'not a d******d'.
