RogueXV wrote: I just hope it doesn't start affecting his play.

I'm more concerned about how it'll affect the rest of the squad (both those who could hope to represent Ireland and those who can't) in the short, medium and long term.

They will certainly want to see him move once he's on a bigger contract

I think it's possible that the IRFU recognise the downside of moving him and would be reasonably happy to see him stay for a year or two. If he does move it'll be because he wants to...which is even more disheartening.

Sorry, the way he's talking he has already started packing his bags. I just hope it doesn't start affecting his play. Yes, bringing up playing in France is probably for negotiation purposes, but it's not to get a better deal from the IRFU to stay at Connacht. They will certainly want to see him move once he's on a bigger contract and Leinster seems like the best fit for him. Whether Connacht make it into the Champions Cup is irrelevant, he still won't be playing alongside other Irish internationals.

The vibes I've got from his father during the whole saga last year is that he wants to move to Leinster. We have to do all we can to keep him. Ultimately its probably a losing battle but it would be a significant statement of intent if we could hang on to him not just for what he offers to us but the ripple effect it has in terms of new signings, being able to keep the likes of Kieran Marmion, Dennis Buckley etc and the belief it would give everyone in the organisation and the supporters that we are a team going places.

I know this will probably get a laugh from supporters of other provinces but it would also lay down a statement in general terms that you can achieve success in the West of Ireland and not everything revolves around Dublin.

In reality though its a free market and we can't really complain if he goes but even without my Connacht hat on I honestly believe Robbie staying here for at least another couple of seasons is in the best interests of Irish Rugby as a whole. Leinster have Teo doing a good job and Ringrose coming through. Saili has been a good signing for Munster and Ulster have good options in the centre. Obviously Joe Schmidt wants the link with Johnny Sexton but what the World Cup shows is how easily plans like that can be knocked out of sync. Even if he does leave, Munster would probably be a more useful destination for him from an Irish perspective.

Its very hard to get a real gauge on his plans based on those quotes as they seem repetitive or pieced together, but the one thing we know is he does need a contract. There's no way its good for Connacht if he leaves tbh, it will set back attitudes about the province several years for the players of his age group and younger.

Next thing you know Marmion is going to Leinster to get more european game time to get a go internationally, Leader or TOH moving south to look for the same, and we're back to where we were 4-5 years ago. These lads should have a proper look at how the careers of Carr, Cronin, McCarthy, Keatley and Hagan have panned out due to moving - for the most part its been negative, and none of them are any better off than they were at Connacht, while a few are worse off.

“I am not sure what it is going to happen for the next few years. I suppose, I am going to have to have a look at my rugby and my development as a player. I am not sure to be honest. It is still a decision I have to make,” said Henshaw.

“I could end up leaving Connacht, we will have to see. But I just need to make sure people know it might be an option, that I might have to leave.

“It is my choice. The IRFU can try and encourage me and open up with a couple of options, but at the end of the day I am out of contract at the end of the year. It is up in the air, it is wherever I want to go, it is my option,” he said.

“I don’t think it’d be easy if I have to focus on my Irish rugby. I think I will be staying in Ireland because I wouldn't like to be flying back after a Six Nations game, playing on my down-week in a French game.”

Maybe he's been told that he can't leave Connacht, and he's telling the IRFU that he'll only stay in Ireland if he can play at Leinster?

That would be far more likely than him resisting a forced move to Leinster.

RonanL wrote: Maybe the impending Robbie transfer saga deserves it's own thread? We'd all love to see him stay, but few would begrudge him a move I suspect? Regardless, I just hope it gets sorted lively.

Ok, split this into a thread of it's own. It's likely to dominate the Squad thread otherwise...

wp_rathead wrote: Maybe I'm being stupidly "Glass Half Full"- but I read that as him referencing Top14 as a way to get the best deal from the IRFU. Not necessarily leaving Connacht for another Province or Team outside Ireland.

Yeah, I read it the same way. All part of the negotiating process. He didn't seem to express any interest in a move within Ireland. I would still expect him to leave but nothing in that article really supports that view. Players who express two much heart on sleeve loyalty to their province tend to get hammered in contract negotiations so it's common sense to talk about leaving regardless of intent.

I cant see why he cant stay with connaght rugby they should be able to negociate contracts with him surley he can reach some of his potential over the next couple of years connaght rugby is on the up and i think that he should use the time for two more years then make a decision at 24 he is still a young man and hope fully injuries will be kept at bay.

Maybe I'm being stupidly "Glass Half Full"- but I read that as him referencing Top14 as a way to get the best deal from the IRFU. Not necessarily leaving Connacht for another Province or Team outside Ireland.

As evil_g said, we are a better side than Cardiff and Dragons and they can hold onto players Like Warburton and Jenkins (was gonna say Faleau but he isn't a great example considering latest fiasco ha) and still perform at the top level with Wales

As everyone said, hopefully gets sorted sooner rather than later and we all will respect whatever the outcome
(As long as he doesn't go to Saracens )

If Robbie wants to go to Leinster (and there's not much in that article that indicates that that's what he wants in fairness), good luck to him. The media profile, consequent sponsorship potential, and general lifestyle associated with playing in South Dublin must surely be more attractive than playing in a windswept greyhound stadium in front of 4,000 people.


However, if we're going to be told that he must move to "fulfill his potential" it might be worth noting that of the Welsh starting 15 that gave South Africa a much better game than we gave Argentina, six play for either the Dragons or Cardiff, neither of whom play Champions Cup Rugby this season, and neither of whom are likely to play next season either.


They are:

• Gethin Jenkins (116 Welsh caps and three time Lion. all whilst playing with Cardiff (one season with Toulon)),
• Sam Warburton (Welsh captain and Lion, all whilst playing with Cardiff),
• Taulupe Faletau (Lion whilst playing with Dragons),
• Alex Cuthbert (Lion whilst playing with Cardiff)
• Tyler Morgan, and
• Gareth Anscombe.

Westie85 wrote: As much as I hate saying it, It's probably better if he does leave.

Couldn't disagree more. If he stays:
(1) as he'll be on a central contract his wages come from the central "international" pot rather than the Connacht pot. Therefore our budget increases by whatever he's earning now, so we can afford to increase our squad size by a player or two.
(2) it would be a huge vote of confidence in Connacht and Connacht's future to finally have a centrally contracted front line international player.

That said, it won't happen so we'd better start getting used to the idea of him leaving.

As much as I hate saying it, It's probably better if he does leave. With Autumn Internationals and 6 Nations he'll probably only be available for half our games anyway, and with a small squad we possibly need players available for all games or least a majority of games.

And despite everything I've said I'd love him to stay.

Maybe the impending Robbie transfer saga deserves it's own thread? We'd all love to see him stay, but few would begrudge him a move I suspect? Regardless, I just hope it gets sorted lively.

If he does go I hope it's to England or France, I don't think I could stomach seeing him in a blue or red jersey

I hope this is sorted by Christmas as well.

Yeah........I'd read that as he's gone

Can't blame the lad, needs to make the best of his talent and though we'd all love him to stay if he decides to leave can but wish him the best.