Ireland second-row Iain Henderson revealed his disappointment not to be involved in his side’s historic tour of New Zealand in July.

Andy Farrell’s team became the first Northern Hemisphere side to win a Test series in New Zealand as they defeated the All Blacks 2-1, rocketing Ireland to the top of the world rankings.

Early injury

Henderson was set to play a role in the tour but suffered a knee injury early on and was sent back to Ireland, where he also underwent hand surgery whilst rehabbing his knee.

The second-row revealed that he was hugely proud of the team and that his favourite moment was the key try in the third Test.

“The Rob Herring try, at the end of that last game, was my probably favourite moment,” Henderson told SportsJOE.ie.

“I was devastated not to be involved, but it was class watching them doing it. I was there for a bit, at the start, and I saw what they wanted to do, and setting their stall out. It was really impressive. I was really disappointed not to be involved, but incredibly proud watching them, back home.”

URC awaits

Henderson shifts his attention to the beginning of the United Rugby Championship, where Ulster will be looking to improve their performance from last season after a late Manie Libbok conversion saw the Belfast side crash out in the semi-finals.

The 30-year-old is still in rehab but says his side is shaping up well in pre-season, and he is looking forward to them getting underway in the new campaign.

“I’ve been rehabbing from a couple of injuries this summer,” the Ulster captain said.

“So, slow and steady but we’re definitely getting there. From the touchline, where I’ve been doing my rehab, I’ve been watching to see how the rest of the team are getting on. They’re going great, performing really well and being put under some serious pressure from the coaches. Hopefully it will put us in good stead for the first game.”

Ulster begin their URC campaign against rivals Connacht at the Kingspan Stadium next weekend.

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