Ulster captain Iain Henderson sidelined for months after hip surgery

Ulster captain Iain Henderson is set to miss the opening months of the new season after undergoing hip surgery over the summer. The 34-year-old, who earned the last of his 86 Ireland caps against New Zealand last November, also missed the end of Ulster's previous campaign due to a three-match suspension. That ban followed a red card received against the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship (URC), which ruled him out of the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao. Henderson made his Ulster debut in April 2012 and his first international appearance for Ireland against South Africa in November of that year. A two-time British and Irish Lions tourist, he was appointed Ulster captain following Rory Best's retirement in 2019. Ulster begin their new URC season at home to Edinburgh on 25 September. Henderson's injury is not the only concern for head coach Richie Murphy. The club has confirmed that Brian Ward (shoulder), Juarno Augustus (ankle) and Jude Postlethwaite (knee) also underwent surgery during the off-season and are currently in rehabilitation.