mens
nations-championship
Rookie tryout Isaac Henry will no longer participate in November Nations Championship phase with a hamstring injury but the Wallabies have decided not to call up a replacement ahead of this weekend’s clash with Scotland in Edinburgh.
Henry has emerged as a reliable starter for the Wallabies under coach Les Kiss, who has named the 27-year-old in round XV five times this season. The utility back lined up at outside center in the Spring Tour opener against England, who produced a clinical 45-22 win on Sunday.
As the Wallabies look to snap a three-game losing streak, the Aussies have been dealt a heavy blow. They are already missing Hunter Paisami, who was selected for the initial Spring Tour squad but withdrew for personal reasons.
Henry joined in the centers against England to 2025 John Eales Medalist Len Ikitau, who has played plenty of Test rugby alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. But Suaalii has featured on the wing in three of the last four Tests.
Filipo Daugunu offers versatility across the backline and 95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale is another option. Beale started at inside center as a Western Force won the club’s first Super Rugby AUS title last month and was recognized as one of the players of the tournament.
Henry has had to overcome an incredibly difficult run of injuries en route to becoming Wallaby number 999 against the Brave Blossoms on August 8. Foot, knee and hamstring issues have sidelined Henry for long stretches over the past five years.
“My grandfathers and my dad, I was never raised to complain. Especially when it comes to the physical side of things. I feel like I’m probably blessed with the way I was raised as well as genetics,” Henry said RugbyPass in April.
“Honestly, I don’t think it was an external factor. All my life I wanted to play rugby to the best of my ability and so many times I came close to doing my best,” he added.
“If I had hanged them in those situations on the condition of injury, and not on my own terms, I would never have been able to live with myself.
“I’m incredibly driven to take my rugby to the next level and always have been. I’ve had a lot of physical setbacks along the way with injuries, but those setbacks have really given me a lot of perspective and a lot of gratitude.”
