LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen says it would be unfair of him to comment on speculation linking Robbie Henshaw with a move from Connacht to the eastern province.
Connacht yesterday announced that the 22-year-old mainstay of Ireland’s midfield would be leaving the province.
The42 reported that Henshaw had agreed a national contract with the IRFU and a move to Leinster. Yet, while Munster coach Anthony Foley was quick to point out that the Athlone man wasn’t bound for Limerick, Cullen wasn’t prepared to confirm or deny the signing of the long-term Leinster target.
“I feel like I was in this situation last year, at the exact same time of the year,” Cullen said at Leinster’s Clonskeagh base this afternoon.
“It’s not fair for us to comment in the press like this, because there’s a whole host of players we’re trying to re-sign, who we’re having discussions with, so when something becomes concrete you guys will be the first to know.”
With Ben Te’o leaving swapping Dublin for Worcester next season, Henshaw’s physique would make him a natural fit to fill the Kiwi’s role at the RDS. And after being one of Ireland’s stand-out performers in a punishing battle away to France on Saturday, Cullen was certainly among the admirers of the skill-set on display from the number 12.
Very physical, very strong in the contact. He’s got good footwork as well which allows him to offload. He’s shown over the past couple of seasons – (through) Six Nations, November games and a World Cup – he’s built up a lot of experience and he’s a very exciting prospect.”
“He’s shown with Connacht and Ireland over the last couple of years that he’s a very exciting prospect.
“So, whoever does get him, I’m sure will be delighted.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
We’ve heard that before.
Stander should never ever have been allowed to play for Ireland. Same goes for all the overseas financial mercenaries. Parks,Aki,Lowe etc.
@Patrick Lawlor: The irony coming from the guy living and working abroad.
@James: yeah and I am still 200% Irish and always will be.
@Patrick Lawlor: 200%! LOL
@Patrick Lawlor: Get bent, Patrick.
@Pete Slattery ✏️ do one pete
@James: absolutely. Lsugh away.
@James: Ran out of the country more like it
@Patrick Lawlor: you’re an irishman alright 2 chips on each shoulder.
@Mark Sheehan: for stating that Stander isn’t Irish?
@Paddy Waggon: a tad off the mark there on that one but sure judge away
@Patrick Lawlor: Everyone is entitled to an opinion but this is a perfect example of when most people just don’t care what it is. Enjoy screaming into the void Patrick.
@Paddy: no one is screaming Paddy.
@Patrick Lawlor: Whatever you need to tell yourself.
@Patrick Lawlor: no for being a 200% @rsehole.
@Paddy: on you go now. Good lad.
@Mark Sheehan: keyboard warrior muppet
@James: It’s always the “Irish abroad” with the weird gatekeeping on who can and can’t be Irish.
@Rochelle: Rubbish.
@Patrick Lawlor: It’s really not that serious haha