Iain Henderson blow for Ireland and Ulster

Ulster second-row Iain Henderson is set to miss most of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.

The lock impressed in the Irish province’s 30-15 triumph over the Scarlets at the weekend, scoring two tries as they boosted their hopes of qualifying for the Champions Cup knockout stages.

It is understood the front-five forward took the decision to clear it up before next year’s World Cup in Japan, where he will be a crucial part of Joe Schmidt’s squad.

As a result, Henderson will be absent for up to 12 weeks, which rules him out of the final two matches in Europe, as well as the majority of the 2019 Six Nations, but the second-row could be back for the last couple of encounters against France and Wales.