Pat Lam says call on Connacht contract entirely up to Robbie Henshaw
Lam said he would love to keep Henshaw with Connacht but said it was up to the Irish international to make the call.
The 22-year old hopes to have his future wrapped up by Christmas and yesterday again did not rule out a move to Leinster, but Lam said that it will be Henshaw’s call about what he does next.
“Honestly, it’s Robbie’s choice. It’s going to be totally up to him like every other player.
“We don’t really comment on players’ recruitment and retention. Robbie’s just like all the other players who come off contract. It’s up to them to make a call and when they do we’ll let everybody know.”
“Of course,” said Lam when asked if he wanted to hold on to Henshaw. “There’s a whole lot of guys in this team I’ve been really blessed to work with going into my third year. I want to continue working with these guys. I think we’re on a really good thing. We’ve got a good group of indigenous players and a good group of young guys coming in.
“I think the most important thing is that it’s a big team effort. Everything Connacht does is about the team,” added Lam.
Lam could hardly have asked for Connacht to be in a much better place just when Henshaw is pondering his future, with his side sitting on top of the Pro12 as well as leading their Challenge Cup pool.
But Henshaw, speaking on Newstalk yesterday (MON) morning to mark the launch of College Awareness Week, said he would have to consider all options.
He made his debut as a 19-year old three years ago for Connacht and was selected as player of the season in his first campaign.
His first dozen appearances in Europe were in the Heineken Cup but it has been Challenge Cup action last season and this for the Westmeath native who has chalked up 66 appearances for Connacht and who won his 15th Irish cap against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final loss.
Henshaw, who signed a three-year contract with Connacht three months after making his senior debut in 2012, said he will hopes to have his future wrapped up soon.
“I have to look at my options and I suppose coming up towards Christmas will have to have a look. I can expect it moment, I have to get all my options on the table and then I’ll have to see what is best for my career.
“I’m not making any decision yet. I’m just waiting until all the options come in.
“I would imagine that it will be my call,” but added that the IRFU may also advise him on where they want him to play, while he did not rule out a move to Leinster.
“I’m not ruling it out at the moment. We will have to see what happens,” he added.
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