Hong Kong-born Scotland rugby star Cameron Henderson to hone talent at Leicester Tigers
- The 20-year-old lock was instrumental in Scotland U-20s’ record-breaking Six Nations campaign this year
- Henderson explains how playing junior rugby in Hong Kong ‘shaped’ him and why he opted to return to Leicester
Scotland U-20s international Cameron Henderson has emerged as one of the country's pillars of future rugby – but who would have known the towering lock used to ply his trade over this side of the world.
“I'm actually 6’7” (2.01m) now. I think I've finally stopped growing,” said the 20-year-old Henderson, born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of 13. “It's a funny thing when I go back to Hong Kong trying to squeeze into the MTR and stuff. It'd be funny for people trying to watch, at least.”
In March, Henderson was described as a “talisman”, “athlete” and “leader” by coaches after a record-breaking 52-17 win over Wales in the U-20s Six Nations. No Scotland team had previously ever scored more than 50 points against a Six Nations team – that includes men's or women's, U20s or first team. The tournament was ultimately suspended over the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a frustrating campaign because we had the potential to really push for the title in that tournament but we fell short,” said Henderson, who also featured at the 2019 World Rugby U-20s Championship in Argentina.
“There were times in the games against England and France where we lost narrowly but if things had gone slightly differently, there would be a different story. It was good to finish the campaign with a really good performance against Wales and we were pleased for everyone that everything clicked.”