men’s division
united rugby championship
It has been announced by Ulster that their skipper, Iain Henderson, is set to be sidelined for “several months” following hip surgery during the off-season.
Although the surgical intervention went well, the 34-year-old veteran is still expected to miss the opening fixtures of the new campaign, which kicks off for Ulster on September 25 when they host Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship.
Boasting 86 international caps, Henderson is among four squad members who have had surgical procedures during the break, a list that also features his fellow Irish international Bryn Ward. The 22-year-old earned his first cap under Andy Farrell against Japan in July, but has subsequently undergone shoulder surgery.
Additionally, Ireland Sevens player Jude Postlethwaite underwent knee surgery after a campaign that saw him called up to Farrell’s Six Nations roster, though he did not make his senior international debut.
Rounding out the group of four is number eight Juarno Augustus, who received surgery on an injured ankle.
Though Ulster indicated that Augustus, Postlethwaite, and Ward are currently in “rehabilitation,” there is no definitive timeline on whether they will recover in time for the season opener.
Henderson was already absent for the final two fixtures of Ulster’s previous season—including their Challenge Cup final loss against Montpellier—after receiving a 20-minute red card for a dangerous croc roll challenge during the Round 17 URC clash with the Stormers.
