Iain Henderson: First Ireland start a just reward for Billy Burns' 'leap of faith'

A Cork-born grandfather provided the bridge for international ambitions that are now being realised

Billy Burns during Ireland training at the High Performance Centre yesterday. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Billy Burns will make his first start for Ireland against Georgia this weekend and Iain Henderson feels that is due reward for the out-half’s bold step in quitting Gloucester for Ulster over two years ago.

Now 26, Burns had played for Gloucester over 100 times across six seasons before making the switch across the Irish Sea, his Cork-born grandfather providing the bridge for international ambitions that are now being realised.