The IRFU have confirmed that Robbie Henshaw will join Leinster from next season.
Henshaw announced he was leaving Connacht at the weekend, and after a couple of days of speculation regarding the chance of him joining Leinster upon which Leo Cullen refused to be drawn, it has now been confirmed that the Irish centre will replace Ben Te'o in Dublin.
The Irish centre has signed a three-year central contract with Leinster and the IRFU, which will take him up to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Henshaw thanked Leinster, Connacht and the IRFU for allowing the move to happen, saying that "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 IRFU's Performance Director David Nucifora had the following to say on the transfer:
I am disappointed for Connacht that Robbie has decided to leave but pleased for Irish rugby that he has committed to a further three years. I know that the decision Robbie has taken to move from Connacht is not one he has taken lightly.
Leo Cullen also commented on the signing, understandably saying he is "delighted to have secured Robbie's signature for the next three seasons".
Henshaw joined the Connacht academy in 2012, and made his debut for the senior squad in the same year.
Leinster Rugby and @IrishRugby are happy to announce that @henshawrob will join the province from 2016/17. pic.twitter.com/u0NREn11qR
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 16, 2016
