Rugby World Cup: Iain Henderson sets target as he nears return from injury
Iain Henderson of Ireland (Ulster) during Guinness six Nations match between England and Ireland, at Twickenham Stadium on 12th March, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto)
Ireland lock Iain Henderson is looking to be in top form by the time the Rugby World Cup in France kicks off next year.
The Ulster forward has endured his injury troubles and was forced home from his country’s landmark series victory over New Zealand in July.
Henderson stated that he was ‘devastated’ to miss that huge triumph, but he should return in time for Ireland’s upcoming November series.
Ulster’s clash with the Lions on Saturday will come too soon for the second-row, but the 30-year-old is aiming to be at his best for the 2023 World Cup, which starts next September.
Massive challenge
“This time next year we’ll, hopefully, still be going,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “It’ll be a massive challenge, as it always is.
“Usually come May, you’re thinking about getting to the end of your (provincial) season, then you’ve the summer tour and after that you’re putting your feet up. But that’s really only where it’s starting in a World Cup year.
“There’s a lot of rugby to be played between now and the end of the season, both for Ulster and internationally, and then obviously there’ll be a summer series before the World Cup too.
“To be able to stay fit through all that is a challenge in itself but I want to be sure myself that I’ve put myself in the best position to contribute as much as I can.”
Henderson has been hoping for a mid-to-late October return but admits that patience is required with much bigger goals on his horizon.
Trusting his team-mates
“In my head, I wanted that last South Africa game (against the Sharks) or the Munster game,” he added.
“That’s what I’ve been pushing for but every time I’m having that conversation I have to step back and remember what I was told on my first day of rehab.
“I was told then that I’d have to trust the guys and put my faith in them to make sure that what I’m doing is the right decision for me.”
Last season’s semi-finalists Ulster have started the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship season in fine style, winning three of their four matches.
They have secured comfortable victories over the Ospreys, Scarlets and Connacht, with their only defeat coming against Leinster.