Ulster captain Iain Henderson to miss season start after hip surgery

Ulster captain Iain Henderson will miss the beginning of the new season after undergoing hip surgery. The 34-year-old lock is recovering from the procedure and will not be available for the opening part of Ulster’s campaign.

Henderson also missed the end of last season. His absence included Ulster’s Challenge Cup final defeat by Montpellier, which came after he received a three-game suspension for a red card against the Stormers.

The captain is not the only Ulster player facing a delayed return. Bryn Ward has undergone surgery for a shoulder problem, while Juarno Augustus has had an operation on an ankle injury. Jude Postlethwaite is also recovering from knee surgery.

The series of absences leaves head coach Richie Murphy without four players as preparations continue for the new season. Henderson’s leadership role adds significance to his unavailability, although no return date has been given beyond the expectation that he will miss the start of the campaign.

Ulster have strengthened their squad by bringing in centre Daniel Hawkshaw and back-row forward Martin Moloney. Hawkshaw is 24 and has previously worked under Murphy. Their additions provide Murphy with further options while Henderson, Ward, Augustus and Postlethwaite recover from their respective operations.

Henderson’s suspension followed the red card against the Stormers, but the current absence is linked to his hip surgery. His missed involvement at the end of last season and his unavailability for the opening phase of the new campaign mean Ulster will begin without their captain as the team adjusts to several changes in its playing group.