IT ISN’T THE HEND OF ME
Iain upbeat despite slide down pecking order
IAIN HENDERSON accepts he is now in a battle to play even second fiddle with Ireland.
That doesn’t mean he has to be happy about his place in the pecking order – or that he is settling for it.
Five months ago to the day, Henderson was a starting second row in the World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.
But the 32-year-old is a realist and appreciates that Joe Mccarthy has elevated his game since France 2023 to claim a starting spot alongside Tadhg Beirne.
A broken toe hasn’t helped Henderson’s cause. But he understands that had James Ryan been fit last week then it would have been the Leinster lock on the bench at Twickenham instead of him.
“It’s potentially like a new stage in my career but I’ve loved every bit of the Six Nations and seeing Joe come in over the last year or 18 months,” said Henderson.
“He has grown brilliantly into the position, what he adds about the place. His physicality in games is massive. He just has a massive future ahead of him.
“Tadhg’s playing some of the rugby of his life, he’s been brilliant as well. It’s frustrating for James to have his injury but the competition is brilliant.
“We work very well as a unit and it’s something I don’t take for granted, even though I’ve been behind those three guys.
“They’ve done a really good job and made us gel really well.
“I feel like I’ve slipped down the pecking order but I don’t see that as the negative it might have been two or three years ago.
“I’m still here competing and it’s exciting to be pushing for a position, being involved with players individually world class at what they do. The opportunity to drive something with those guys to get a result at the weekend, I’m really enjoying that.”
The Ulster skipper stresses that he is not resigned to a fate of very limited game time.
In that regard, Peter O’mahony could provide some inspiration.
The Munster flanker looked destined for a slow fade out at Test level but fought his way back in as a regular starter and is Ireland captain for this championship.
“I know that happened with Pete and look where he’s at now,” Henderson commented.
“In what I said there’s no way is it a reflection of being happy or content with slipping down the pecking order. By no means.
“I don’t think anyone internally would think that. Equally, I’m enjoying competing for that position.
“That’s massive. Fortunately I’ve been in mainly positive environments but you do hear of guys who do slip by the wayside.
“That’s testament to the way we get on here. That’s ultimately created by the coaching staff.”
The environment is a big plus for a player who has endured mental struggles in the past.
“That comes into a lot of players’ heads, be it injuries, be it results, be it personal form, things outside of rugby,” Henderson explained.
“I’d be shocked if there wasn’t a professional player where that hasn’t come into their head.
“But that’s part and parcel of what the job is and how you manage those highs and lows and your own expectations.
“Your view on it changes slightly as you get older, being able to manage those emotions better.”
Talking to his wife Suzanne, to family and close friends and to team-mates helps.
“To those who know me I’m quite open,” he said. “I’ve been very privileged, I’m proud to be able to say what I’ve done.
“A lot of times you realise you’re in a slightly better position than sometimes where your dark thoughts can put you.
“I think a lot of people in professional sports environments rely on people around them.
“They help them enjoy the highs they may get at the weekend.
“But they’re also there when you have those lows too.”