Rob Henderson has become the latest Irish international to burn a trail from the Zurich Premiership to the provincial set-up by signing a three-year contract with Munster which will come into effect at the start of next season. The 29-year-old centre, who by then may well have added a Lions' tour to his CV, had been offered a new three-year deal by his current club Wasps but instead opted for a first sortie into the Irish provincial set-up with the interpro champions and European Cup semi-finalists.
"The timing is right," explained the 21-times-capped Henderson last night. "I've won leagues and Cups with Wasps but this offers me the chance to try something new with a good squad, who have good back-up staff and a good coach.
"It's the perfect opportunity," he added. "I'm playing well and hopefully I can help bring some success to the team and they can bring some to me. I think it's a fabulous move and I'm really looking forward to it."
In part it's a commentary on the improved times for home-based Irish internationals that Henderson admits he wouldn't have taken up this chance a few years ago. "It's funny, because I've just had my best season ever and it's not for financial reasons to be honest. However, a change is as good as a rest. I'm going to a team where hopefully I can come over and learn new things. Obviously it's a wrench to leave Wasps and we've a lot of good friends here in London, but we've a lot of good friends in Ireland too and they'll help us settle in there. Angie (his wife) is delighted with the move."
Mindful of the 2003 World Cup, another factor in Henderson's decision is that a move to Irish rugby ought to mean less matches and less injuries. "I think part of the reason that I'm getting injured is that there are so many midweek matches which means playing three games in eight days."
Currently recuperating from a sprained sternum, Henderson reckons he will be fit to resume playing or contact training within a fortnight, though with no game that weekend his targeted return is the first play-off match on April 29th. Though the Lions' 37-man squad will be selected the preceding Wednesday, his absence will not affect his chances, which would seem to be good.
As for Munster's more immediate concerns, coach Declan Kidney will tomorrow announce their side to play a Rest of Ireland selection in Thomond Park this Friday. Alan Quinlan and David Wallace have definitely been ruled out of that game and the subsequent Heineken European Cup semi-final against Stade Francais next Saturday week, while the other walking wounded, Anthony Foley, Peter Stringer, Dominic Crotty and John Hayes, will be assessed over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile Lions coach Graham Henry said yesterday the bulk of the 37-strong squad had already been decided, with the selectors looking to choose between several individual players in certain positions.
"Something like the high 20s have been," added the New Zealander. "The selectors are all looking at matches and are reporting back. We are just trying to sort out some positions where there are two or three guys looking for the one spot in the squad."
Henry intends being at Friday's game between Munster and the Rest of Ireland in Limerick, as well as Munster's Heineken Cup semi-final against Stade Francais in Lille on April 21st.
"There are a couple of games the selectors have got to see before the squad is announced," said Henry.
