Josh van der Flier did not earn a Test cap on the 2025 Lions tour, with Tom Curry and Jac Morgan keeping him out of the team.
The players reacted emphatically after Josh van der Flier’s response. (Image: British and Irish Lions on YouTube)
Josh van der Flier’s brutal response to Jac Morgan’s text left the whole squad roaring in laughter on the British and Irish Lions team bus.
The Lions tour ended with a defeat to Australia, but a series win. Along with this, came the end of ‘The Ultimate Test’ docu-series which 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’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.
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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.”
Cue another big roar from the players.
Also on the coach trip, social secretary Ben Earl had a great idea for the collective, suggesting each player puts away £20 a month for the next 12 years, so the players can reconvene for the 2037 Australia tour with a kitty of £118,000 to cover their flights and accommodation.
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.
With Tomos Williams sustaining an unfortunate injury against Western Force in the warm-up games, Morgan was the only Welshman in the entire squad.
Speaking about the tour itself, boss Andy Farrell said: “It’s been the time of our lives. I know it sounds a bit dramatic, but it’s the truth.
“We got to create a special memory together. I’m unbelievably proud to be associated with this group. This has been a long time in the planning – the best eight weeks of our lives.
“Lions Tours are tough, and to do what we did last week and put the series in the bag, upon reflection after tonight, I’m sure we’ll be super proud of the achievement.”