Robbie Henshaw has insisted that he is happy at Connacht, despite intense speculation linking the outside centre with a move away from the Sportsground.
Henshaw’s burgeoning talent has seen him touted by Brian O’Driscoll as his natural successor in the number 13 role for Ireland, but the 21-year-old could also fill that position for Leinster at the start of next season if the rumour mill proves correct.
However, the Athlone man claimed he was unperturbed by recent rumblings of a move to the east coast and reaffirmed his commitment to Pat Lam’s side.
“I haven't been hounded by it,” an unflappable Henshaw told RTÉ Sport.
“It's in the media, it's over my head. I haven't said much about it. I'm contracted with Connacht for another season. I'm there until next year.”
Connacht gave their fans much to cheer about after recording just their second win over Munster in 30 years last week and Henshaw senses an increase in belief among his team-mates.
“We're certainly producing the goods at the moment,” he admitted. “We were delighted with the victory last week. We're in a good position at the moment in the Pro12. We are just looking forward all the time. We're unbeaten in the Sportsground all year. We're trying to make it into a fortress and it's going really well.
“There is a massive growth in confidence with the team. We are playing really well at home. We just need to keep producing those performances week-in and week-out and stay consistent, which is the main key.”
While the speculation regarding a move to Leinster isn’t something Henshaw has dwelt on, the surge in support for him to replace O’Driscoll in an Ireland shirt has encouraged a player who has made a meteoric rise since making his Connacht debut just over two years ago.
“It's really good,” Henshaw added. “To be up there as one of the players to take it is obviously great. I'm keeping my head down and playing good rugby with Connacht. Hopefully that will get me into the Irish team. I'll keep working and producing the goods.”
