The Making Of Robbie Henshaw

How this small-town boy went On to become a big-time player

- TOM ENGLISH

ROBBIE HENSHAW’S first home Test for Ireland came in 2013 against Australia and his father, Tony, bumped into Brian O’Driscoll in the aftermath. O’Driscoll was nearing the end of his time in the green jersey and he knew Henshaw Jnr was only getting started. Congratulating Tony on his son’s achievement, he then said something simple but lovely. “Enjoy the next ten years.”

The then 20-year-old Henshaw is now a 31-year-old, a veteran who has played his part in three Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams, two British & Irish Lions tours and one European Cup triumph.

He’s had his injuries and without them he might be within touching distance of 100 caps now, but what a story this has been. So much success at home and around the world and yet Henshaw is still rooted in the west of Ireland, still a Buccaneer and a Connacht man at heart. In detailing his journey, there is only one place to start…

“Robbie’s unassuming, he stays in the background. He gets that from his mother’s side. The whole family are musicians and he’s incredible. Anything he picks up, he can play. Everybody thinks of him as a box (accordion) player, but he’s a savage fiddle player. He plays guitar, piano, flute, mandolin, banjo.

“Our three girls are the same, Katie, Ali and Emily. A good ol’ trad session and everybody’s happy. His wife, Sophie, his sisters and his mother, Audrey, all keep him right. They’d all be yapping to him. He’s well-minded, I can tell you.

“Audrey is terrified for him sometimes. The way he plays, the physicality. He’s always been that way, though. One gear and it was forward. He never went back.

“Away from rugby, he loves to get out onto Lough Ree on the boat. He might go with Sophie and the dog or with Bundee (Aki). Joined at the hip, those two, since their Connacht days.