Sexton and Lancaster send-offs driving Josh van der Flier

Josh van der Flier says winning a fifth star would be a fitting tribute to Johnny Sexton and Stuart Lancaster, who depart Leinster at the end of the season.

Leo Cullen's men host La Rochelle in the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday [4.45pm, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player] aiming to add to their European successes from 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2018.

Senior coach Lancaster joined in 2016 and is moving to Paris to take charge with Racing 92, while captain Sexton, who misses out with a groin injury, is to retire following the World Cup.

In addition, hooker James Tracy retired due to injury in December, while wing Dave Kearney departs the province after a 14-year stint.

World player of the year Van der Flier has gone from a back row option to a nailed-on starter over the last few years and spoke about the influence of former England boss Lancaster on his development.

"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," the 30-year-old told RTÉ Sport.

"As a former number 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,