Connacht Rugby have confirmed that Irish international Robbie Henshaw has informed them he will not be renewing his contract at the end of the season.
There's no mention of where Henshaw will be playing his rugby next season, but there is no question that the speculation will increase towards a probable move to Leinster. The expectation and whispers are pointing towards a central contract with the IRFU before he joins Ringrose in Leinster's midfield.
It's a blow to the western province, and sends a bad message as the team is competing at the top of the Pro 12 and the only Irish province in European competitions after the Six Nations.
Playing wise it's not a devastating blow with players like Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Rory Parata, Conor Finn, Dave McSharry, Peter Robb and the returning Eoin Griffin - but it will no doubt be a blow to Connacht fans and will make things tougher to retain their other talented youngsters.
Henshaw will see out the rest of his contract with Connacht, completing his degree at NUI Galway before he moves, and hopefully will help Connacht qualify for the Champions Cup on merit for the first time.
Henshaw told connachtrugby.ie:
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.
