The worst kept secret in Irish rugby has been confirmed.
Robbie Henshaw will be wearing Leinster blue next season.
The Ireland centre confirmed his departure from Connacht over the weekend and an IRFU statement this afternoon confirmed that the 22-year-old is moving to Leinster this summer on a three-year deal.
Henshaw said: “I would like to thank Connacht Rugby, the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me time to consider my future.
“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.”
Still only 22, Henshaw already has 17 international caps and is now one of the first names on Joe Schmidt’s Ireland teamsheet, and he will give the Leinster midfield a huge boost following the retirements of Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy in recent years and the impending departure of Ben Te’o this summer.
Delighted Leinster 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 6 Nations and during the World Cup. We look forward to welcoming him into Leinster when this season is over and I am sure that our supporters would echo that view.”
Before then, Henshaw will continue to spearhead Connacht’s bid to reach the Pro12 play-offs for the first time, while Pat Lam’s side are the only Irish province still in European action as they prepare for a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Bernard Jackman’s Grenoble.
Meanwhile, Leinster also confirmed the arrival of former Munster second row Ian Nagle and a host of contract extensions.
A total of 17 players have signed new deals with the province, with Isa Nacewa, Mike Ross, Garry Ringrose, Dave Kearney and Jack McGrath joining Sean O’Brien in agreeing new contracts.
There is no news on Cian Healy’s status, as his central contract with the IRFU has yet to be renewed.
The full list of players is as follows:
Michael Bent
Adam Byrne
Tom Daly
Peter Dooley
Tadhg Furlong
Dave Kearney
Cathal Marsh
Mike McCarthy
Jack McGrath
Ross Molony
Isa Nacewa
Sean O’Brien
Garry Ringrose
Mike Ross
Rhys Ruddock
James Tracy
Josh van der Flier
