Wishful thinking from the Dublin-based media folk or an inevitable switch to Champions Cup contenders?
Pat Lam is determined to hold onto Robbie Henshaw up to and beyond his contract expiration in June 2016. The 21-year-old made his breakthrough at fullback in September 2012 but has featured prominently in midfield this season. A strong showing during the Guinness Series in November has Henshaw in pole position to start the Six Nations in Ireland’s 13 jersey.
Henshaw was linked with moves to Leinster and Munster last season but Connacht were able to ward off the dual threats. The Athlone native was given assurances, by Joe Schmidt, that remaining out west would no affect his Test prospects.
The provinces, through the IRFU, are tying up contracts for a number of key players earlier than usual and 2015/16 squads are steadily taking shape. Henshaw is contracted with Connacht for a further 18 months but it has not stopped the speculation. Indeed, a man-of-the-match performance against Munster has ramped it up.
Lam told reporters, at Connacht’s weekly press briefing, that Henshaw’s contract situation has not changed. Lam declared, ‘It’s an issue when people keep hounding Robbie. he says he doesn’t want the distraction, yet people keep hounding him on it.’
Queried on a Leinster switch in December, Henshaw commented, ‘I’m still contracted with Connacht for another year, so I don’t know why people are bringing that up.’
Hat-tip to Galway Bay FM
