Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HENDO HAD HUNGER OF TWO LIONS
IAIN HENDERSON is relishing a “second shot” at Lions glory after joining a select group of Ulster players to tour multiple times in the famous red shirt.
While several former Ulster stars have gone on two tours in recent years, they weren’t always with the province at the time of stepping out for the Lions.
Henderson joins the likes Rory Best, Trevor Ringland, Syd Millar, Mike Gibson and legendary captain Willie John Mcbride, who all toured more than once during their time representing Ulster.
“The pride for me and my family is massive – it’s a privilege and honour to be selected a second time,” said Henderson, who toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2017.
“There’s a lot of things that go into the making of a rugby player and a lot of people who do unseen things – my family, my wife, my parents, my brother, everyone at Ulster.
“To give my family that wee bit of happiness is great to see. My wife was delighted and I was also on my phone with my brother and parents.”
Henderson, who played in six games in New Zealand only to miss out on test selection, learned of his inclusion on the Ulster bus en route to tonight’s Rainbow Cup clash with Munster.
“We were watching it on Andy Warwick’s phone, going through all the players and it got to Tadhg Furlong and I’m thinking flip, what letter comes after F?” he said.
“The tension was building and then there was a bit of a cheer when my name was read out.
“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been playing on my mind for a while now, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to go on another tour and have a second shot at all that excitement again.”
Henderson admitted some surprise at the exclusion of Leinster pair Johnny Sexton and James Ryan.
“They did come as a surprise but it’s down to the coaching staff in terms of their vision for the team, what they want it to do and they’ve obviously picked the personnel they think are best to carry out the task.”