Josh Van Der Flier learning how to switch off from rugby

Leinster and Ireland flanker Josh Van Der Flier got his season underway last Friday when he came on for Leinster in their win over the Dragons.

The break was welcome for Van der Flier, who had some time off after a long 2023/2024 season.

Having started preparations for the seasons in July last year for the World Cup, the season ended a year later with a win in South Africa.

While it had its ups and downs, both for province and country, the former world player of the year appreciated how he was managed through the season.

"It was tough. One thing that helped was after the World Cup we had three weeks off.  In fairness to the IRFU and Leinster, they are very good at giving us breaks at those sport of times.

"Physically, I felt great all year. One of the things I found tricky last year is you get real fit for the World Cup, and then you have three weeks off, so you are starting again fitness wise.

"One thing that is hard about rugby, and I do get jealous of football players and golfers at times, if you are going to play a sport like that, you get yourself pumped up, but you are not going in having to be physical and violent with people.

"You have to get yourself to a certain mental state before a rugby game, which takes a lot out of you."

It is almost exactly a year since Ireland suffered further heartbreak at the World Cup, as they exited the quarter-finals to New Zealand.

In a defeat that was emotional for the team and players, it was just the start of a long season ahead.

With so much rugby ahead, it is important to enjoy life off the pitch, as Van Der Flier praised his wife for helping him switch off when needed.

"Before I met her, there was six of us living together, and we were all obsessed with rugby. If it was a day