The versatile forward has been named in the second row for the clash in Cork, but he put in a tremendous shift in the six jersey against the Tigers and admits it was the perfect game to return to action following a long layoff.
“Being stuck in the gym for so long, the guts of seven months, was tough,” explains Henderson. “It was great to get back playing again and the desire of all the guys around me made it a lot easier to settle back in. Rory Best, Franco van der Merwe, Alan O’Connor, all those guys were working so hard and I was comfortable coming back into the squad knowing that everyone really wanted to get the win.”
In recent years Ulster’s Ireland contingent have joined up with the Six Nations squad having qualified for the knock out stages of the European Cup. That’s not the case this season but the 22 year old believes the win over the Tigers will act as a turning point in their season as they push for a top four finish in the PRO12.
“We had a few results not go our way but last weekend we showed what we were capable of. It really revitalised everyone in a sense that we all know that we can do it, and there is no reason why we can’t perform like that week in week out,” says Henderson.
Now back in the mix for selection, he is relishing the opportunity to impress Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt, and he is hoping a big performance on Friday night will see him add to his 12 international caps during the Six Nations campaign:
“I’ve only had 60 minutes back so far so I hope to get some good game time under my belt. Training has been going really well, we all gathered down together on Sunday evening and we have had a few training sessions and everyone seems to be gelling nicely. Everyone who is training at the minute knows that they have an opportunity, and if this Wolfhounds game goes to plan for a few people, it could act as a springboard into the Six Nations team.”
Henderson is joined in the Wolfhounds squad by Ulster teammates Rob Herring, Robbie Diack and Craig Gilroy. The game will kick off at 7.45pm and will be televised live on RTE and Sky Sports.