Iain Henderson, the captain of Ulster Rugby, has addressed concerns surrounding the potential departure of Steven Kitshoff and has assured that it will not be a distraction for the team. Despite speculation about Kitshoff’s future, Henderson remains confident that the South African prop will continue to give his best for the province.
Kitshoff, who joined Ulster in November after winning the Rugby World Cup for a second time with South Africa, has been the subject of rumors regarding a possible return to the Stormers this summer. However, Henderson is unperturbed and expects Kitshoff to remain focused on the upcoming game and continue to contribute to the team’s success.
Since his arrival at Kingspan Stadium, the 32-year-old prop has had a mixed impact, with the team experiencing both victories and defeats during his tenure. Nonetheless, Henderson has praised Kitshoff’s professionalism, leadership, and on-field performance.
Despite financial uncertainties at Ulster and the Stormers, Henderson remains optimistic that the ongoing discussions about Kitshoff’s potential departure will not affect the team’s performance in the upcoming European fixtures. Ulster is set to face Montpellier in the last-16 of the Challenge Cup, and Henderson is confident that the team will maintain its focus on the game despite the surrounding speculations.
Looking beyond the immediate matches, Henderson emphasized the need for a game-by-game approach, avoiding premature discussions about winning competitions. He acknowledged that while it would be a great achievement for Ulster to secure the Challenge Cup, the team must first address areas that require improvement before setting their sights on the trophy.
As Ulster strives for success in the European competition and aims to claim its first major title in over a decade, Henderson’s reassurance regarding the team’s ability to remain focused amidst off-field uncertainties indicates a sense of composure and determination within the squad. His words reflect the professionalism and commitment expected from a team captain, instilling confidence in Ulster fans as the team prepares for its upcoming fixtures.