The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have announced that they have retained the services of Ireland and Leinster centre Robbie Henshaw who has signed a two-year contract extension.
Henshaw is the latest Leinster player to sign a new deal with the IRFU and Leinster after James Ryan, Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter also recommitted recently.
The 31-year-old was a vital cog in Ireland‘s recent Autumn Nations Series Tests, further underlining his worth in midfield ahead of the 2025 Six Nations campaign.
Impressive Six Nations record
Henshaw is one of five Ireland players alongside Conor Murray, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson and Peter O’Mahony to have won five Six Nations titles.
He made his international debut against the USA in 2013 and has made 77 Test appearances for the men from the Emerald Isle, scoring 10 tries.
Henshaw also represented the British & Irish Lions on their tours of New Zealand and South Africa in 2017 and 2021, and started all three Tests for the famous touring team against the Springboks three years ago.
He started his career with Connacht in 2012 before moving to Leinster in 2016 and has played 95 times for the latter province, scoring 100 points.
Henshaw is looking forward to his next two years with Leinster.
“It is a great boost to secure my long-term future with the IRFU and I am delighted to get this deal concluded ahead of a busy period,” he said.
“It is a huge privilege to play rugby in Ireland because we are so well looked after, from coaching, facilities, sports science and player management perspectives.
‘Great hunger within Irish rugby’
“It’s also an incredibly competitive place to play rugby, and, even though we have enjoyed some success in recent years, there is great hunger within Irish rugby to continue driving forward.
“I believe that my best days are to come and I am excited to continue my journey here in Ireland.”
IRFU performance director David Humphreys is delighted that Henshaw has recommitted to the governing body and Leinster and expects him to continue with his fine recent form.
“Since breaking into the senior international squad 11 years ago, Robbie has been a consistent presence in one of the most competitive areas of the Irish backline,” he said.
“Robbie is a consummate professional and a popular figure who continues to set the bar high.
“His performances during the recent Autumn Nations Series suggest that there is even more to come and I am delighted that he will continue his playing career here in Ireland and with Leinster.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ireland-handed-another-boost-as-key-back-signs-new-irfu-deal
