Connacht delighted as Henshaw signs up

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced they have extended contract of Robbie Henshaw until 2016.

The 20-year-old back has joined teammates Kieran Marmion, Willie Faloon, Craig Ronaldson and Matt Healy who’ve all recently penned two-year deals that will keep them at the Sportsground.

Henshaw earned his third international cap this month, coming on from the bench against the Wallabies in Ireland's second test game of the Autumn Internationals.

At 19 years of age, the Athlone-born star made his Ireland debut against the United States in June 2013.

Henshaw in training with Ireland

Commenting on the new deal, Henshaw said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract with Connacht. Playing for Ireland recently was a huge honour and I was so proud to be representing my home province as well as my country.

“It's been an unbelievable 15 months and I'm so happy that I was given my first chance here at Connacht and can now continue to improve under Pat and the coaching team.”

Connacht Coach Pat Lam was delighted to keep the youngster in the west: “It's fantastic that Robbie has committed his future to Connacht Rugby.

“He is an extremely talented young man and is constantly improving as a player. I'm pleased that he sees Connacht as the place for him to continue that progress, playing week in week out in big games.

“Robbie has proven himself to be one of the best young players in the country and I have no doubt that he will continue his remarkable career both with Connacht and Ireland.”