Ulster forward Iain Henderson is hoping he can cap his return from long-term injury by using the Irish Wolfhounds clash with the England on Friday (live on RTÉ2) to mount a late charge for inclusion in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
After a hugely frustrating seven months on the sidelines after hip surgery, Henderson roared back into action for Ulster during their heartening 26-7 win over Leicester last Saturday.
Still just 22, Henderson will be setting his sights on adding to his six international caps, and the next step in proving he is back to his best is the game for the Wolfhounds.
Speaking from Ireland’s training camp, the versatile Henderson, who can play both second row and back row, was pleased with how things were going, and aware of the importance of taking his chances if he is selected to face the Saxons.
Knocks and injuries have meant that there are openings for players to step up and stake a claim on a starting place ahead of the game in Rome on 7 February.
“It’s been good so far,” Henderson said of the camp. “Everyone gathered in on Sunday evening, and we’ve been going well. We’ve had a couple of training sessions under our belt and everyone seems to be gelling together nicely.
“Everyone who is down in camp, and who is training at the minute, knows they have an opportunity, and if this Wolfhounds game goes to plan for a few people that means they could get opportunities, and could act as a springboard in the Six Nations.”
Henderson put in an impressive performance during Ulster’s win on Saturday, and, in what was a dead rubber, it was clear he was working through the frustration of several months spent on the sidelines.
He said he was pleased to be back and helped by his team-mates’ desire to right the wrongs of their result the week before, when Ulster were humbled in a 60-22 drubbing by Toulon.
“Being stuck in the gym there for the guts of seven months; it was tough. However, it was good to get playing again, and what I felt made it a lot easier for me was the want of all the guys around me. The guys, after the week before, wanted to show what they could do.”
For now, though, Henderson is looking forward and seeking to show Joe Schmidt that he is ready to nail down a senior spot for the weeks to come.
“I’ve only had 60 minutes back so far, so all I can is hopefully get selected this weekend, and from that, hopefully get game-time under my belt and try and get another performance. And [then] all I can do is hope Joe picks me!”
