What Decision Should Robbie Henshaw Make On His Future?

Robbie Henshaw spoke out today on his future admitting that he may have to leave Connacht at the end of the season to further his career.

The Irish centre admitted that the decision will ultimately come down to him and he will not be influenced by the IRFU, but what is the smart career move for Henshaw? Many have said Henshaw should in fact remain with Connacht but we don’t believe so. A move to Leinster seems to be everyones prediction but would that be a smart move for Henshaw? Leinster currently have an abundance of Irish talent in the centre that would suffer from Henshaw moving across. Young talent such as Garry Ringrose and Noel Reid coupled with Luke Fitzgerald and now Ian Madigan with the return of Jonny Sexton – all fighting for a place in the centre. Leinster also have the option of Ben Te’o. A move to Leinster simply wouldn’t make sense.

Realistically Henshaw isn’t going to move up North to Ulster, they once again have an abundance of players in their back-line and a move to the Top 14 simply wont’ happen, the IRFU (hopefully) would not be stupid enough to allow that to happen. So what does that leave? Munster. Munster have long been the province for some reason just cannot produce good quality centres. At the moment they have Keith Earls who may be deployed in the centre or on the wing – we still don’t know where Munster or Joe Schmidt want him to play. Denis Hurley is a good solid PRO12 player but nowhere near International standard and at 31 isn’t exactly going to improve much. The other two options are Kiwi pair Tyler Bleyendaal and Francis Saili – both brought in because of the lack of Irish centres in Munster.

A move to Munster would be highly beneficial to Munster obviously but also both Henshaw and the Irish rugby team. Bringing Henshaw into the twelve slot for Munster opens up several options. Keith Earls could link up with him at 13 – a potential permanent Irish pairing, Saili could join Henshaw in the centre in a partnership that could really develop Henshaw’s game, playing with an experienced Southern Hemisphere centre, with real flair and creativity. This would set Munster up with a back-line that would potentially have Murray, Henshaw, Earls & Zebo with Leinster having Sexton, Madigan, Ringrose, and both Kearney’s. Both sides having extremely talented, competitive back-lines for the next four years leading to the World Cup that are made up of almost all Irish talent.

At the end of the day the decision lies with Henshaw. Lets hope he makes the correct one for both him and Ireland.