Connacht, with the support of the IRFU, left no stone unturned in their bid to stop Robbie Henshaw from heading to Leinster.
Coach Pat Lam says everything was done to keep Connacht’s marquee player at the Sportsground, but ultimately Henshaw chose otherwise.
“Without a doubt, Willie [Ruane], our CEO, and the IRFU did a tremendous job,” says Lam. “There were three parties involved and throughout the whole process we did everything we could, but again it comes back to the player’s decision and you respect that.
“The IRFU were very supportive. David [Nucifora]and Willie Ruane worked very closely together, and we are really pleased with the support we had from the IRFU in the whole negotiation process.”
Henshaw, who had negotiating support from a former Connacht captain and assistant coach, Michael Cosgrave, and family members, only informed Connacht last week of his decision.
Howerver Lam said it had not affected Connacht’s season.
“Every player has his timelines to make, so it was totally over to him [when he made the decision]. It hasn’t affected us as a group, we have just tracked on.
“All of us were told last week, and then Willie [Ruane]let all of the staff know. All of the players and everyone knew before it all came out. The whole process was nice and clean.”
Lam said Henshaw’s decision was more keenly felt because he was a born and bred Connacht player.
“What makes it so disappointing is because he is a local boy and an icon, but he is not the first Connacht, Leinster, Munster or Ulster player who his left his home province and he won’t be the last.
“I have coached teams and played in teams where we have had home-grown world class players, but that doesn’t guarantee success. What does guarantee success, is your structures, your culture, the game you play, the teamwork.
“ I know the fans are disappointed, but ultimately what they want to see is a successful team, and that is what we are doing at the moment and Robbie is a part of it as well, but we want to continue building year-on-year so that Connacht Rugby is successful.”
Lam has already signed former Connacht centre Eoin Griffin from London Irish for next season, joining Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Dave McSharry, Rory Parata, and Peter Robb in the midfield.
“Our main goal is to get Connacht Rugby into the Champions Cup and on the back of that, the contracts group is trying to build the strongest possible team - not to just to play in it, but to play well.”
Nor is Lam ruling out welcoming Henshaw back to the Sportsground.
“Of course, down the line. There is no doubt this will always be his home, and who knows what is down the line. If he wanted to come back, the door is open for him - of course it is.”
