Robbie Henshaw to join Leinster from Connacht on three-year deal
Tuesday 16 February 2016 16:37, UK
The IRFU has confirmed centre Robbie Henshaw will join Leinster from Connacht in July on a three-year contract.
The arrival of Henshaw will help offset the loss of centre Ben Te'o, who is leaving for Worcester Warriors at the end of the season and utility back Ian Madigan, who is joining Bourdeaux Begles.
Henshaw, 22, only joined the Connacht Academy in 2012 but quickly became a key player for the province despite his young age.
Henshaw has established himself as an Ireland regular since making his senior debut on the summer tour of North America in 2013 and has 17 caps to date.
"I would like to thank Connacht Rugby, the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me time to consider my future," Henshaw said.
"This has been a long and difficult process and while I am sorry to be leaving Connacht I look forward to the next chapter of my rugby career at Leinster.
"The support I have enjoyed from the fans in the Sportsground and throughout the province is something that I really value and I want to thank them for four great years."
Henshaw will link up with a number of his international team-mates in the Leinster back-line with Jonny Sexton, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob and Dave Kearney, Fergus McFadden and Eoin Reddan already in the squad.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: "We are delighted to have secured Robbie's signature for the next three seasons. Robbie is a huge talent and we have all seen that over the last few weeks and months with Ireland in the Six Nations and during the World Cup."
Henshaw has the potential to form an exciting centre partnership with Leinster's emerging 21-year-old star Garry Ringrose, with many tipping the duo to occupy the number 12 and 13 jerseys for Ireland for years to come.
