Henderson ‘rejuvenated’ by ‘exciting’ Ulster side

After a disappointing 2024-2005 campaign that didn’t “sit well” with him, Captain Iain Henderson says there is no reason this season can’t be “different” for Ulster.

Ulster, the lowest of the four Irish provinces, placed 14th last year in the United Rugby Championship, making it the first time in the history of Europe’s premier competition to lose to Champions Cup rugby.

However, Henderson said he thinks the squad is well-equipped to correct the mistakes made last year following a successful pre-season ahead of their URC opener against Dragons on Friday.

The Ireland second row said, “Many players will carry that] last year as a bit of a chip on their shoulder.”

Before the new campaign, Ulster’s coaching and playing staff have been made several changes to make it easier for them to reclaim the top eight.

Northampton has signed defender Angus Bell, while Australia’s defender Angus Bell will follow after the autumn internationals.

Willie Faloon is now in charge of the defense permanently, while Mark Sexton has taken over as the attack coach.

The impact Augustus and Sexton have already had, according to Henderson, who believes the team is already in better shape than the team, who are currently playing senior rugby for the first time in a difficult year.

The 33-year-old added, “Mark Sexton has been working wonders with our attack. It feels fresh and new.”

I can’t wait to see the impact of a few older players leaving last year that have lifted the ceiling of those young players who have been stepping into shoes.

There is no denying that Augustus is going to cause some damage, which is exciting, when I watch him in training.

I feel like my body has been great this pre-season, and I want to be a part of this new Ulster coming out with the freshness I feel. “There is so much there to cause excitement and the excitement they [young players] bring rejuvenates me.

Last year at Rodney Parade, Ulster defeated Dragons 34-30, but Henderson added that Friday’s game at Affidea Stadium will be different due to both teams’ busy schedules.