IainHenderson

Iain Henderson’s leadership credentials were recognised on his second British & Irish Lions Tour in 2021 as he was chosen to captain the side in South Africa for the 54-7 win over Cell C Sharks.

Henderson followed in the footsteps of fellow Ulsterman and 2017 tourist Rory Best by skippering the Lions, while he chalked up four appearances in 2021 – including a start against Japan at BT Murrayfield.

But he narrowly missed out selection in the 23 for all three Tests with competition for places incredibly high.

Henderson’s adaptability helped secure his place on a second consecutive Tour, with his ability to play second row and back row a big asset.

The then 25-year-old earned his first Lions call-up from Warren Gatland for the 2017 Tour to New Zealand after impressing with his performances for both club and country.

And while he did not make an appearance in the Test team, Henderson wore the famous red jersey on six occasions as he became a regular in the midweek side.

Henderson enjoyed a whirlwind rise on the international scene, first starring for Ireland Under-20 at the Junior World Championship in 2012 as they finished fifth.

He had made his Ulster debut earlier that summer against Connacht and before the year was out he was a full international, coming off the bench to face South Africa in November 2012.

Henderson came off the bench in another three games during the Six Nations in 2013 before earning his first Ireland start that summer while the Lions were in Australia.

Having been given the nod at blindside flanker against the USA, he started there again against Italy in the 2014 Six Nations and remained a regular fixture in Ireland match day 23.

By the time of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Henderson was starting regularly in the second row, including in the quarter-final defeat to Argentina.

Henderson missed the 2016 Six Nations but he returned against South Africa the following June before injury denied him a chance to be part of the historic win over New Zealand in Chicago.

But his strong performances against Wales, France and England - starting ahead of Devin Toner in the later - in the 2017 Six Nations saw him book his place on the 2017 Lions Tour.

Henderson has remained a key man for club and country, winning his third Six Nations title with Ireland as they secured the 2018 Grand Slam.