Ireland’s Iain Henderson excited at prospect of rare title success on home soil

Iain Henderson says it would be “unbelievably massive” for Ireland’s current crop of players to lift silverware on home soil for the first time.

The Ulster captain is poised to make his maiden start of this year’s Guinness Six Nations when Scotland visit the Aviva Stadium for Saturday’s crucial round-five clash.

Victory over Gregor Townsend’s men will secure the Triple Crown and leave Irish dreams of championship glory resting on England’s ability to upset Grand Slam-chasing France.

While Ireland won the title in 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018, they have not clinched a major trophy in Dublin since the 2004 Triple Crown – five years before any of Andy Farrell’s present-day squad were capped.

Henderson, who has endured a frustrating season with injury and illness, is expected to replace the stricken James Ryan in the hosts’ second row on what could be a momentous weekend.

“The chance of being able to lift silverware with any team, especially your country, is absolutely enormous,” he said.

“I’m actually not sure if any guys have lifted silverware internationally at home. That would be unbelievably massive.

“I think the excitement that that has brought us leading into this week has been huge, it’s a massive driver for us.

“But we’ve got to make sure that we set that excitement aside to ensure that we can concentrate on our game.

“The guys who’ve been involved for a number of years know how difficult it is to come across something at international level, some form of silverware.

“We’ve got to focus on the Triple Crown. And then obviously whatever happens after that will be an added a bonus. Hopefully England can do the job on France.”

Ireland are firm favourites to continue their recent dominance against the Scots, having won 10