When Josh van der Flier isn't on the pitch he's almost always with his wife Sophie De Patoul- they seem inseparable!
While the pair attempt to keep their personal lives out of the public eye as much as possible, they can't resist sharing sweet snaps together on social media from time to time, sparking curiosity in romance-loving rugby fans everywhere.
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Sophie is the Leinster star's biggest supporter and we're sure she will be cheering him on when he heads off on the Lions tour to Australia, but who is Josh's stunning wife and just how did the lovebirds meet?
Who is Sophie De Patoul?
Josh van der Flier and his wife Sophie. Pic: Josh van der Flier/Instagram
Sophie was raised in Dublin and attended Muckross Park College before going on to earn a BA in Business and Spanish at Technological University Dublin.
She spent time studying at Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko in Spain whilst earning her degree. While she is likely fluent in Spanish from her time studying abroad, she is likely well-versed in French too, as she is half Belgian.
During her college years, she worked part-time work as a waitress and as a sales adviser at Brown Thomas. She works as a Digital Marketing Freelancer.
How they met
Josh van der Flier and Sophie De Patoul's first event together in 2019. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The couple has never officially revealed how they first met, but considering Josh popped the question just two years after they laid eyes on each other, it was likely love at first sight!
They officially confirmed their relationship on April 29, 2019, when they attended the Leinster Rugby Awards Ball together. Sophie accompanied Josh to the ceremony, which took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin.
Sophie posted a snap posing with her beau for the first time, alongside the funny caption: 'Only got the invite so he could have two meals,' alongside the pig emoji. They clearly had their hilarious banter down right from the beginning.
Funnily enough, Sophie's grandfather may have played a part in setting up the lovebirds. He commented: 'Kisses from a grandfather slightly responsible...!' beneath the post. Clearly sharing a close bond, she responded: 'Hahah merci Bon Papa. Big kiss x.'
Their engagement
Josh van der Flier and Sophie De Patoul. Pic: Instagram
Josh and Sophie got engaged in July 2021, taking to social media to share the news.
The rugby star shared a snap of the couple beaming at the camera after he got down on one knee. He captioned the snap with a simple ring emoji, a love heart, and the date. Sophie posted a similar picture of them gazing into one another's eyes and wrote, 'Yes' along with the date and the same ring emoji.
The pair tied the knot in a gorgeous summertime wedding at Luttrellstown Castle Resort in Castleknock, Dublin on August 11, 2022 after enjoying a year-long engagement.
Sophie made for a beautiful bride, wearing an off-the-shoulder wedding gown, matched with a long netted veil. She took to Instagram to share snaps of their special day, saying: 'Got to marry my best friend.' How sweet!
The couple, who are fond of traveling together, spent their honeymoon on a romantic trip to Greece.
Starting a family
Josh van der Flier with his wife Sophie and parents. Pic: John Dickson/Sportsfile
The couple currently have no kids and have never spoken publically about planning for them in the future. Josh has previously spoken about the difficulty his Ireland teammates face when having to leave their family for work.
Speaking with Irish Tatler magazine about whether Sophie finds it hard when he's away, Josh said: ‘It's difficult for her, but I suppose it's even more difficult for the guys who have kids at home. I think it's probably more difficult on the families than it is on the players…
'For many of us, it's always been our dream to play for Ireland. But our partners and wives probably didn't dream of being home alone, looking after kids. It's one of the sacrifices that partners and wives make for us to be able to play.'
Life together
Josh and Sophie Van Der Flier at Anantara The Marker Dublin. Pic: Conor Healy/ Picture It Photography
Sophie is Josh's biggest supporter and is constantly spotted watching her man play on the sidelines. She frequently posts snaps posing on the pitch alongside him, beaming from ear to ear.
Sophie celebrated Josh van der Flier's 150 caps for Leinster. Pic: Sophie van der Flier / Instagram
When Josh was confirmed as being on the team for the British and Irish Lions rugby tour in 2025, Sophie reshared the announcement and said she was 'incredibly proud'.
The pair appear to spend every second that they can together, enjoying weekends brunching in Dublin, and jetting off on lavish holidays that Sophie documents on social media.
