Archie van der Flier's form prompts questions about Test allegiance

Given that Archie van der Flier was virtually a permanent fixture in Leicester’s run to the playoffs in 2025/26, one of the more surprising stats of last weekend was the fact that the 38-31 win against Gloucester was his first-ever PREM start.

Selected in the number one jersey ahead of Mako Vunipola, the loosehead, who made 21 bench appearances in his breakthrough season, overcame an early setback to join the select group of props to have won the TNT Sports’ Player of the Match award.

When his mouthguard was triggered after a close quarters bit of defensive work, van der Flier must’ve feared his big chance had finished before it had only just started. But the Nottingham University graduate passed his HIA and returned to play a dominant role in a victory built around solid foundations up front.

“I had Nicky Smith in front of me last season, who is obviously quality, a world-class scrummager,” van der Flier said, helping to explain why his first league start had been so long in coming.

“He started every PREM game for two seasons, so you can’t argue with how good he is. So, yeah, it was a long wait, but I was really excited to get out there and make my first start.

“When you are in the game, you are not really thinking about that, you are just thinking next job and what can I do to help the team. But looking back, I am really proud to have made my first Premiership start. More importantly, it was good to get the win.”

A few years ago, van der Flier was playing uni rugby for Nottingham, whilst appearing for the city’s Champ side on loan from Leicester’s senior academy.

Playing in the Champ and training opposite England tighthead Joe Heyes, as well as learning from Smith and now Vunipola, have all helped to fast-track his development, and many more PREM starts are set to come.

“Looking back then, I probably would have thought I wouldn’t be in this position,” he admitted.

“I always enjoyed my rugby and thought I could take it to a good level, probably never thought it would be this level.

A surprise England A cap in February, ironically against an Ireland XV, has also heightened chat about the prospect of senior international honours, either on the same side as his 82-cap cousin, Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier, or potentially against him with a red rose on his chest.

Beyond Ellis Genge, England do not have a standout candidate at loosehead, unless Fin Baxter can get a good run of games under his belt, while Ireland’s lack of depth at prop has been well documented.

Archie was born in London and grew up in Hampshire, but quialifies for the Emerald Isle as his dad is Irish.

“I’ll pass on that,” said Archie, when asked about the career crossroads he may reach.

Having someone in the family who has been down that path, though, has been helpful, he admitted.

“The other side of the family knows what it is like, always going to Josh’s games, watching Josh, and they have been really supportive of me.

“Josh has always helped if I have got anything I want to ask or want help with anything.”

The two have been on the same pitch together once before, during Leinster’s 23-15 win over Leicester in the Champions Cup last December, and that could happen for a second time with the teams pooled together again in this season’s competition.

“I played against him last year at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, and that was a special experience.

“We’ve got Leinster in the pool stages again, and hopefully, we’ll both be playing and, hopefully, I will get one over on him this time.”

Before that Round 4 clash on 16 January, Tigers have games against Pau (a), this Sunday, Clermont (h) on 12 December, and Glasgow (a) on 8 January.

In previous seasons, Pau would have been considered the weakest team of the lot on paper. But they are currently second in the Top 14, having won five of their six games.

“They are a strong side, they are doing really well in the Top 14, so we know it is going to be a tough game.”

It is 17 years since Leicester last graced a European final and van der Flier says they are determined to pay down a marker.

“It’s a strong competition. But, as a squad, we back oursleves and we are really looking to go for this tournament.”