Ulster Rugby captain and Ireland secondrow Iain Henderson will miss several months of the upcoming season after undergoing successful hip surgery during the summer off-season, according to club statements and The Irish Times. The 34-year-old forward faces a period of rehabilitation that deals a blow to head coach Richie Murphy’s squad preparations for the United Rugby Championship.
Club medical staff confirmed the procedure occurred during the break, ruling the lock out of early autumn matches and preseason preparations. Henderson brings international pedigree to the northern province, boasting 86 caps for Ireland since his Test debut in 2012, alongside two touring selections with the British and Irish Lions, as AOL reported.
The forward previously underwent hip operations in 2014 and 2020. Beyond the physical toll, Henderson also finished the previous domestic campaign on the sidelines due to a three-game suspension stemming from a red card against the Stormers, which included missing the Challenge Cup final defeat against Montpellier in Bilbao.
Rehabilitation Timeline and Season Openers
Ulster Rugby opens its preseason schedule with a pair of friendlies, traveling to face Edinburgh on Friday, September 4, before hosting the Ospreys on Friday, September 11, according to The Irish Times. The competitive URC campaign officially begins on Friday, September 25, when Ulster welcomes Edinburgh. Henderson will not feature in these opening fixtures as he continues his recovery.
Club officials noted that the captain is not the sole occupant of the treatment room this summer. Ulster’s medical team is overseeing rehabilitation programs for several other players who underwent off-season procedures. Bryn Ward recovered from shoulder surgery, while Juarno Augustus addressed an ankle issue, and Jude Postlethwaite worked back from knee surgery, as detailed by AOL.
Depth Challenges for Richie Murphy
Henderson assumed the provincial captaincy following the retirement of Rory Best in 2019, and his presence is difficult to replace.
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