Connacht confirmation of Robbie Henshaw exit paves way for Leinster move

Will it be Leinster next for Henshaw?

Connacht have announced that Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw will be leaving the province at the end of the current season. The 22-year-old has been widely tipped to join Leinster but in his most recent interviews insisted he had yet to make a decision about his future. However, the Independent is reporting that Henshaw "is close to agreeing a central contract with the IRFU that is set to be signed in the coming days and will precipitate his widely expected move to Leinster". Both Ulster and Munster were thought to be interested in signing one of the top talents in the Irish game, but Leinster were always thought to hold the inside track once the player decided to move on from the Sportsground. The star back has made it clear the time is right, although he will be hoping to go out on a high as Connacht are mounting a sustained challenge for a place in the Pro12 play-offs and are into the knockout stages of the European Challenge Cup. Head coach 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.” For his part, Henshaw said in a statement: “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."