Van der Flier hails Leicester's cup-winning squad

Leicester Tigers prop Archie van der Flier says a "quality squad effort" across the competition led to their 66-14 mauling of Exeter Chiefs in the Prem Rugby Cup final.

Van der Flier scored two of Leicester's 10 tries as they claimed their first silverware since 2022 at Welford Road on Sunday.

"Geoff [Parling, head coach] has just said we had 50 boys play in the tournament, which is pretty special," the 23-year-old said.

"Everyone's chipped in. When anyone's been needed to step up, they've stepped up."

The Prem Rugby Cup is primarily used by clubs to blood development players in a competitive environment, with Parling estimating that 20 of the players Leicester used in the tournament this season were under 23.

Van der Flier has himself benefitted from starts in the competition, leading to an England A cap in February.

He told BBC Radio Leicester: "Loads of the boys probably wanted to be out there for the final, those who have contributed to get us there, so we owe them a lot of credit.

"We've had some tough games building into it, but a quality squad effort, I'd say."

Leicester's win in the final also showcased the flair they have added to their trademark physicality.

But Van der Flier said they would not be transitioning completely to an expansive style of rugby.

"The base of our game plan is still that set piece and physicality," he said. "I think you need that to create the opportunities to be attacking.

"When we're focused on being physical, that can give us front-foot ball and give us opportunities.

"But we're definitely looking at moving it more when we have the opportunity to; we've got some players in the back line that are great at that stuff."