One of the more protracted internal transfer stories of the professional era in Irish rugby came to its probable outcome on Sunday when Connacht confirmed Robbie Henshaw's intention to move from the western province and re-locate to Leinster.
The 22-year-old Connacht centre has been upgraded to an IRFU international contract and on foot of the Irish squad returning from Paris he notified his provincial teammates of his decision to join Leinster.
It is understood that Henshaw has agreed to a two-year international contract and given Leinster are not permitted to outbid Connacht in the financial terms of his deal - whether on provincial or central contract - Henshaw’s decision is entirely rugby related.
It is also believed that the IRFU and their high performance manager were keen for Henshaw to remain with Connacht, but having been in the Irish squad for the best part of three seasons, Henshaw was keen to move to Leinster and work with Johnny Sexton and other members of the Irish squad on a more regular basis.
A product of Marist College in Athlone, with whom he won the Connacht Schools Senior Cup, and Buccaneers, Henshaw emulated his uncle Dave in playing for Connacht when pitched straight into the Connacht team in the 2012-13 season; his first year out of school. He has played over 60 times for Connacht, a body of experience he probably would not have accumulated so swiftly in any other province, and on Saturday won his 17th cap.
Henshaw was an integral part of last season’s Six Nations’ title success with his try-scoring, Man of the Match performance against England. His acquisition represents a timely boost for Leinster to set against the loss of Ian Madigan to Bordeaux-Begles, as well as a huge disappointment for Connacht, for whom he was something of a poster boy.
Connacht were the first to confirm the news on Sunday, and commenting on the news Pat Lam said: “Obviously we are disappointed with the ultimate outcome of our negotiations with Robbie, however, we respect the decision he has made and wish him all the best with the Irish team into the future.”
Henshaw himself said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in Connacht Rugby who has played a part in getting me to where I am today, from my club, Buccaneers, to my school, Marist College and all of the coaching staff in Connacht Rugby itself.”
“I was fortunate to be given my chance to play pro rugby at just 19 years of age and it’s been an incredible journey over the past four seasons, culminating in my breakthrough onto the national team. I also want to thank the Connacht fans who have always been so supportive of not just me but the team as a whole.”
“Connacht Rugby are sitting in a strong position both in the Pro12 and Challenge Cup and I am determined to play my part to ensure we finish the season out on a high.”
