Van der Flier 'trying not to think about' Lions call

Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier says it would be a "huge honour" to be included in the British and Irish Lions squad this week, but that he is trying to remain focused on Leinster's efforts in the United Rugby Championship.

Head coach Andy Farrell will confirm his touring panel for the three-Test trip to Australia on Thursday with Van der Flier vying for a spot in the competitive back row selection.

The 32-year-old, who has won 73 caps for Ireland and was named world player of the year in 2022, has never represented the Lions in his career.

"I probably accepted at the start of the season it was going to be something I tried not to have in my mind too much, if it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, I've tried my best," he said.

"I'll be training away on Thursday and prepping for [playing against] Zebre this week. I'll try and stay focused on that.

"It would be a huge honour to be involved, but I'm trying not to think about it too much."

Van der Flier's Leinster and Ireland team-mate Caelan Doris, who has been tipped as a potential captain of the squad, has had his place jeopardised by a shoulder injury sustained in Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints last weekend that will require surgery.

Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber described the injury as "serious" on Monday, although the full extent will not be known until later this week.

"He's probably the best player in Ireland the last couple of years," said Van der Flier.

"He's been a brilliant captain, he's an amazing leader. What he does so well is he plays with such ferocity and intensity, but he's unbelievably calm in the way he communicates.

"It's always tough to see someone like that getting injured. Hopefully we'll be seeing him involved in the rest of the season."

'It's tough to be on the wrong end of it'

A win for Leinster against Zebre on Saturday would secure top seed in next month's URC play-offs but the province continue to deal with the fallout of their loss to Northampton at the Aviva Stadium.

The side, who have not won the Champions Cup since 2018, were aiming for a fourth consecutive European final but were beaten in a classic encounter by the Premiership side.

Head coach Leo Cullen has subsequently been criticised for his selection, while the the decision not to attempt a penalty in the final minute that would have forced extra time has been questioned too.

"It hurts a lot. Any time you go out of a tournament like this, it's tough, probably because of the amount of time it takes to get here," Van der Flier said.

"The club has aspirations to be winning pretty much everything we're involved in.

"It's high-end sport, that's what we sign up for, and what makes it so great is that you can be heartbroken or on top of the world with the fine margins. It's tough to be on the wrong end of it."