Josh helps defeat mighty All Blacks
JOSH Van der Flier was the toast of Wicklow on Saturday as he helped power Ireland home to a historic victory over the All Blacks.
Ireland defeated New Zealand for the first time in 111 years by 40 to 29 in a packed Soldier Field stadium in Chicago.
New Zealand had been unbeaten in their previous 18 matches leading up their encounter against the Irish. Twenty-three-year-old Josh came on as a 25th minute replacement for Jordi Murphy, yet still managed to top the Irish tackle count.
Josh spent his youth in Wicklow town and his rugby career began as a young seven year old at Wicklow Rugby Club.
Their clubhouse was awash with green, white and gold during the screening of Saturday’s battle, as jubilant club members and fans celebrated ‘one of their own’ providing a pivotal contribution to one of the greatest victories in Irish rugby history.
Club PRO Stephen Clarke said everyone is extremely proud of Josh’s contribution.
‘We were all sad to see Jordi Murphy have to come off injured but we were thrilled to see Josh play so well,’ he said.
‘He really had an outstanding game and we are all so proud of him. We had a great night in the clubhouse and hopefully Ireland can do the same in two weeks time against New Zealand again. It will be another really tough game but Ireland will have to home crowd behind them.’
Josh initially started training with Wicklow Rugby Club at a mere seven years of age, coached at the time by his father Dirk.
While ten Wicklow Rugby Club players have been capped by Ireland, Josh was the first to receive a full international cap. He made his test debut in the Six-Nations Championship against England earlier in the year.
Stephen said Josh still retains close ties to the club.
‘Josh was the guest of honour at last year’s dinner dance. He always makes himself available when he can.
‘He attended our summer-camp and was a great hit with the kids.
‘He is very much in demand but he has never forgotten his roots,’ said Stephen.