Iain Henderson has said it's unfortunate that Ireland's form in 2018 didn't carry through to the World Cup, which resulted in yet another quarter-final exit, this time to New Zealand.

The Ulster captain had been speaking at the launch of the European Champions Cup in Cardiff. Ulster will take on Clermont Auvergne, Bath, and Harlequins in the Pool stages of the competition. Henderson has said it is good to get back to the club game following the time away in Japan.

"We didn't get what we wanted out of the World Cup," said Henderson. "Everyone I've spoken to has been incredibly supportive. They've been very understanding, that's probably down the fans being disappointed and knowing the players are disappointed.

"At times we performed very well, at others we didn't perform as we should've. It's frustrating. It's the thing with a cup competition, you have to perform on the day and you have to peak at the right time and unfortunately, that wasn't for us.

"I think everyone gets over things in different ways, people get over it faster than others. There's no one way is correct or no way incorrect. Thinking back there are obviously a few things that everyone understands are difficult about World Cups.

"A small squad, the training numbers are tight, the effort put into training prior to it is massive there's a lot of people disappointed not to be in the squad. There are so many factors to include on what could have changed, what might have changed or not have changed the outcomes of games.

"I think the way we played in 2018 was incredible, unfortunately, that form didn't carry through. Maybe we peaked too early. We were maybe relying on our past form to get us through. Which, in hindsight is easy to say but at the time, why wouldn't you try and do what you know has worked for you in the past. However, that's done and dusted now."

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