Robbie Henshaw

Robert Anthony Henshaw was born on June 12, 1993, in Athlone, Westmeath, Ireland. He grew up in Coosan and attended Marist College in Athlone, where he captained the school’s rugby team to their first Connacht Senior Schools Cup in 35 years in 2012. Henshaw also played Gaelic football in his youth, representing the Athlone senior team at 18 and playing for the Westmeath minor team in 2010 and 2011. His family has a history in both GAA and rugby, with his uncle, David Henshaw, having played for Buccaneers and Connacht. Henshaw’s diverse talents also extend to music, playing the accordion, fiddle, guitar, and piano, earning him nicknames like “One Man Band.”

Henshaw entered the Connacht academy before the 2012–13 season. He earned his first senior cap for Connacht on September 1, 2012, against Cardiff Blues in the opening game of the 2012–13 Pro12 season. He scored his first try for Connacht on April 12, 2013, against Edinburgh. In December 2012, Henshaw signed his first senior contract with Connacht, extending through the 2014–15 season. He continued to play regularly, featuring in 18 games in the 2013–14 Pro12 season and all six of Connacht’s games in the 2013–14 Heineken Cup, including a notable victory over Toulouse in France. He signed another contract extension in November 2013, committing to Connacht until summer 2016.

In 2016, Henshaw joined Leinster Rugby. He made his debut for Leinster on October 8, 2016, in a Pro12 match against Munster. Henshaw has been a consistent presence in international rugby, representing Ireland across various age grades and earning his first senior Ireland cap in November 2013. He has also been selected for two British & Irish Lions tours, in 2017 and 2021, and featured in multiple Rugby World Cups for Ireland. His professional career is marked by numerous team successes in both domestic and international competitions, establishing him as a key figure in Irish rugby.