The Glasgow centre failed to convince sacked coach Matt Williams of his talents, but now, with Frank Hadden at the helm, he is confident he can put down a marker for the future.

Henderson said: ''It will be the fifth season on the trot that I have been involved in the squad to take on the Baa Baas and I am really excited at the prospect.

''There should be a tremendous atmosphere with big-time rugby going to Aberdeen for the first time and it is up to us to respond positively.

''It is a great chance for supporters in the north of the country to back us without having to make the long trip to Murrayfield and we are looking forward to experiencing the same type of buzz that inspired us when we knocked up 100 points against Japan at McDiarmid Park last autumn.''

Henderson, who missed most of the RBS 6 Nations series, added: ''It will not be an exhibition match. My abiding memory of previous encounters with the Barbarians is simply how hard it is trying to keep the shackles on them.

''They will have so many wonderful players in action and they will be anxious to show off all their tricks.''