Ulster Rugby vs Dragons

HENDERSON PRIMED FOR SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE PITCH…

Between the Ireland tour of South Africa and a significant personal milestone, Iain Henderson had a busy summer and he is determined to carry on where he left off…

Reflecting on Ireland’s narrow 2-1 series defeat in South Africa in June, Henderson said, “All in all it was a good tour. It was brilliant to get the win in the first week. The second and third Tests didn’t go to plan but I think we proved we were able to compete at that level, even with a so-called weakened team. “It was great for Sean Reidy to get his first cap and for Stu Olding to get back into an Ireland jersey again. They both played well and really fitted in with the rest of the squad. “It was good to see the Ulster backline get some recognition after the damage it’s been doing for us. In one of the games all bar two of the starting backline were Ulster players,” said Henderson, referring to the second Test when Payne, Trimble, Olding, Gilroy and Jackson were all involved.” It has been an eventful summer for Henderson off the pitch too, as he followed the tour of South Africa with a North American trip… “I was away for a bit with my girlfriend and got engaged. As you can imagine the proposal was a finely executed grand plan, you wouldn’t expect anything else from me would you?” laughed Henderson.

“She said ‘yes’ so that was the main outcome of it. I didn’t realise all the wedding planning started so soon, so that was a bit of a shock, but I’ll leave most of that up to her.” The 24-year-old had some time to celebrate before joining preparations of a different kind - Ulster’s pre-season schedule in advance of the upcoming season. It will be Les Kiss’ first full campaign in charge at the club and that is something Henderson sees as a massive positive. “It’s an exciting time. It’s our first pre-season with him at the helm so he’s been able to lay the foundations for the full season. It was a good opportunity for everyone to get clarity on what he wants us to do, not only the senior squad but right through to the Academy players. “We have been training as a group and I think that’s very important for some of the younger players to pick up that experience. There will be times during the season when internationals are away and boys will be able to step in seamlessly.” Congratulations to Iain and Suzanne!

IAIN HENDERSON

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