Injury-free campaign the priority for Iain Henderson

The season's goals are set and Iain Henderson has his sights firmly fixed on managing what would be a rare feat for him, of staying fit for an entire campaign to fully deliver for both Ulster and Ireland.

The 24-year-old is due to return for the province in about week two or three of the Guinness Pro12, though this is still not certain following his involvement in all three of Ireland's bruising Tests in South Africa back in June.

“Yes, staying fit for as long as possible this time would be ideal,” he said at a media night held by his former club, Queen’s University. “And to try and go a full season without actually getting injured would just be fantastic and would be almost unheard-of for me. But, right now, I’m just looking forward to getting back playing.”

Even though participation in the Pro12 and Champions Cup for Ulster are the more pressing priorities, there is still no getting away from Ireland's autumn campaign.

"Yes, it's massive, with the All Blacks twice in two different places," Henderson said of November's Tests in Chicago and Dublin. "It will be an amazing experience for everyone who goes over to Chicago, but also playing Australia will pose a massive task too."

November will certainly be busy for Joe Schmidt's squad and Henderson says he hopes the Kiwi opts to stay on at Ireland. Schmidt is set to indicate soon his intention of remaining in charge after this coming season amid speculation that he may return to New Zealand.

“I really hope he stays on,” said Henderson. “He’s a fantastic coach, but it’s up to him and we haven’t heard what’s happening yet, so it’s now just a matter of waiting to find out.”

Which leads on to next summer’s Lions tour and whether the dynamic player who can operate effectively at lock or blindside flanker might make the plane to New Zealand.

“It’s a long way off, but I really need to get an injury-free season under my belt. I wouldn’t want to jinx anything by saying too much,” he said.

Henderson is on firmer ground discussing Ulster and whether Les Kiss’s squad can overcome last May’s bitter disappointment at failing to secure the Pro12 trophy after a 10-year gap.

“It was something we have to put behind us,” he said. “And we now know we just have to be consistent from day one of the season.”