It may disgust Connacht fans to hear it but Robbie Henshaw appears increasingly likely to be lining out for Leinster next season. We've already been up front with an opinion as to why that may not be the best idea but, regardless of the arguments, it seems as if it's just a matter of time.
With Connacht flying in the Pro12 and Leinster's much discussed struggles in the Champions Cup, it's an unfortunate time for the Ireland centre to be discussing his next contract. If Connacht were in the doldrums and Leinster were one player away from European glory, it would perhaps be a lot more palatable for all involved.
However, with Connacht pushing for a place among Europe's best, it's easy to see why talk of Henshaw's departure may not be going down well with those in the west. For the man himself, he's in an awkward position. Everyone knows his centralised contract is up for renewal, he's trying to keep everyone happy and it's clear that he has to keep his options open.
Henshaw was speaking to Ivan Yates on Newstalk Breakfast today as part of his role as an ambassador for College Awareness Week and, unsurprisingly, the issue of his next contract was addressed. For the most part, Henshaw was playing it straight down the line.
At the moment I have to get my options on the table and then I’ll have to see what’s best for my career. I’m not making any decisions yet; I’m just waiting until all the options come in and then I’m going to assess what’s best for my career.
As he has before, he did confirm that he won't be moving to France next year. However, when Yates pushed him a bit further on the possibility that he was set for a move to Leinster, Henshaw was rather less definitive.
I’m not ruling it out at the moment, we’ll just see what happens. I’m 100 percent concentrated on Connacht for this year so we’ll see what happens towards the end of the year. But I’m completely committed and focused. If options do arise, I’ll take a look at them.
With the IRFU's performance director David Nucifora set to open discussions over a new contract very soon (if he hasn't already) you'd have to think that those options will be arising before the end of the year.
