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Nic Henderson will add even more punch to an outstanding 2010 front row classThe already-imposing prop brigade at the Emirates Western Force has been further bolstered by the signing of three-Test Wallaby Nic Henderson from the Brumbies.
Henderson, a veteran of 70 Super Rugby caps, joins fellow Test props Pek Cowan and Matt Dunning, and former Hurricanes stalwart Tim Fairbrother in Perth after finalising a two year deal today.
Born in the Queensland country town of Millmerran, Henderson played rugby league as a junior and was snapped up by the Melbourne Storm in 2000.
The 117kg prop crossed codes in 2002, and was fast-tracked into the Australian Under 21s squad that same year.
The 2004 season was a watershed for Henderson, as he debuted for both the Brumbies and the Wallabies. He added two more caps, with his most recent Test being the 2006 Spring Tour victory over Italy.
RugbyWA General Manager, Rugby, Mitch Hardy, said the addition of Henderson boosts the team’s quality and depth at the prop position.
“We think Nic adds experience and strength to our front row stocks and leaves us with outstanding depth in that area for the 2010 season,” said Hardy.
“We now have three capped Wallaby props, with Tim Fairbrother sure to push for higher honours too.”
“Nic was a leader at the Brumbies, and we’re certain he’ll bring those qualities with him as well.”
Henderson said he was hoping to “jump-start” his career at the Emirates Western Force after seven seasons in Canberra.
“I’ve been in the Brumbies program my entire rugby career so far and I felt like part of the furniture down in Canberra, but the time had come to look for a fresh opportunity,” said Henderson.
“I played in seven of thirteen games for the Brumbies this year and I’d count that as a very disappointing season,” he said.
“My motivation was a bit down and I definitely needed a new start. I’m coming into the second half of my career and I’ve got a huge desire to improve.”
The 28-year-old said he found the perfect fit when he contacted the Emirates Western Force to seek out his next career move.
“Ever since our first contact (with the Force) things have gone very smoothly. John Mitchell took the time to call and talk through his plans for the team and how he saw me fitting in. The whole contracting process was the most seamless I’ve been through,” said the specialist loosehead.
“A change is as good as a holiday they say, but I think whenever you go into a new environment there’s plenty of incentive to do well. You want to make the best impression in front of your new coaches and teammates and that’s the opportunity I’m looking forward to in coming to Perth.”
FACT FILE
Nic Henderson
Position: Prop
Physical: 186cm, 117kg
Age: 28 (Born 1/5/1981, Millmerran, QLD)
Super Caps: 70
Super Debut: 2004 v Blues, Canberra
Super Points: 0
Test Caps: 3
Test Debut: 2004 v Pacific Islanders, Adelaide
Test Points: 0
Representative Honours: Australian Under 21s (2002), Australia 'A' (2004, 2006-2007), Wallabies (2004-2006)
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