Chris Henry, a former Irish rugby union player, contributed to Ireland A’s victory at the 2009 Churchill Cup. The Ireland ‘A’ team defeated the England Saxons in the final, securing the win at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
Henry, who primarily played as a flanker for Ulster Rugby and the Ireland national team, replaced John Muldoon at number 8 for the Churchill Cup final. Neil Best was named captain of the Ireland A side for the first time during that match. The team had previously secured bonus point wins against Canada and Georgia during the pool stages of the tournament.
The victory followed a strategy of rotating players throughout the Churchill Cup tournament, allowing the coaching staff to assess talent against international opposition. Jonathan Sexton started at out-half for the final, having previously approach on as a substitute in the games against Canada and Georgia. Other changes to the starting lineup included Denis Hurley replacing Simon Keogh on the right wing and Keith Matthews returning at centre in place of James Downey.
Henry’s career with Ulster spanned from 2006 to 2018, during which he made 184 appearances for the province. He also earned 24 caps for the Ireland national team between 2010 and 2015, including participation in the 2014 Six Nations Championship winning team. He began his rugby career with Malone RFC and Ballymena RFC before progressing through Ulster’s academy system.
In November 2014, Henry experienced a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain while preparing to play against South Africa. Despite this health scare, he continued his career, but ultimately retired in November 2018 at the age of 34 due to recurring concussion issues. He captained Ulster during the 2009-10 season and was named Ulster’s Player of the Year during their run to the 2012 Heineken Cup final.
