Ulster debutant Henderson will relish heat of cup battle

Ulster’s new back-row sensation, Iain Henderson, knew earlier in the week he would be making his Heineken Cup debut tonight when French side Castres visit Ravenhill.

The news that he would be starting quickly encouraged him to pen a new three-year full contract and immediately come face-to-face with the player he was in line to replace.

Pedrie Wannenburg was a crowd favourite at Ravenhill and his departure to France was a bit of a surprise. However, with Nick Williams playing so well, his absence was not felt. Williams, though, misses tonight’s game due to a rib injury, and Henderson hopes to make up for that when he slots into the back-row at blindside, with Stephen Ferris named at number 8.