ROBBIE Henshaw will join Leinster in the summer on a three-year deal, saying he is “sorry to be leaving Connacht.”
It was announced at the weekend that the 22-year-old centre would leave the province when his contract expired at the end of this season.
The IRFU this afternoon confirmed that the Athlone native will, as expected, join their inter-provincial rivals Leinster on a deal that will begin in July.
Henshaw made his debut for Connacht in his first season after joining their Academy in 2012, and has gone on to nail down a place in the Ireland midfield following the retirements of Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy.
"I would like to thank Connacht Rugby, the IRFU and Leinster for allowing me time to consider my future,” said Henshaw.
”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.”
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said that they were looking forward to welcoming him to the RDS.
“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.”
