Henshaw hopes to soldier for Ireland in Chicago once again

Special memories will be evoked in Soldier Field, Chicago, next month when Ireland return to the scene of their 2016 victory over New Zealand.

The victory in the US city was Ireland's first win over the All Blacks for 111 years, and Athlone's Robbie Henshaw paved the way for that historic success with the match-clinching fifth try.

Henshaw has been named in the Ireland squad for the autumn internationals and, although he'll continue to be assessed due to a groin injury, he travelled with the squad to Chicago. The centre will be hoping to feature against New Zealand in the first of Ireland's autumn internationals next Saturday, November 1. The prestigious international fixture marks the start of a four-game November series which also includes home fixtures against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on a visit back to his home town last week, Henshaw recalled the match winning moment when he touched down in Soldier's Field almost nine years ago.

"The moment still resonates with me. It was a great moment for me personally and also for the team as we created our own history that day in Chicago. It still remains one of the highlights of my sporting career," said Henshaw, speaking after coaching young players at his home club, Buccaneers.

The Coosan native said the week prior to the game brought with it a special atmosphere with so many Irish supporters in Chicago for the game. "Thankfully, we were able to give a really special performance on the day and hopefully that will be the case again this time around," Henshaw said.

Having played 82 times for Ireland, he retains the same zest for playing with the national team having first donned the green jersey in 2013. This was clearly evident when he spoke about looking forward to the three home internationals next month.

"All three countries will provide a tough test for us as a team. The southern hemisphere teams have played a lot of international rugby recently and will be battle-hardened when they arrive in Dublin so we will have to be at our absolute best to be successful," Henshaw stated.

Being close to the 100-cap mark, Henshaw is hoping to "rack up" as many appearances for Ireland as possible, his contract with the IRFU running until 2027. That year will also see the Rugby World Cup take place in Australia.

Having failed to advance past the quarter-final stage at previous World Cup tournaments, Henshaw believes Ireland has "unfinished business" to address when the competition returns 'Down Under' in two years' time.

"I am contracted to the IRFU until 2027 and it is definitely a goal of mine to be in the Ireland squad for the tournament. As a group of players our aim is to progress past the quarter-final stage. I also think it is very much in the minds of our supporters. We still want to push and do as well as we possibly can at that level," Henshaw added.

Henshaw's competitive edge remains, the former Marist College student aiming to stave off injuries and maintain optimum fitness levels as this season's commitments with Leinster and Ireland gather pace.

"Staying healthy and fit is an obvious priority at this stage (Henshaw turned 32 in June). If I am fit and regularly involved in training and on matchdays, then I am happy and know that I can perform to the levels required. However, it's vital that you look after yourself off the pitch to be able to perform. Doing so will help you to avoid those niggling injuries," Henshaw said.

As the game continues to make strides in terms of speed, strength and fitness levels, particularly at international level, concern has been expressed about the ferocity of tackles and the 'hits' players are now taking. So how long does it take Henshaw to recover from a top-level fixture?

"Of course, the body would be sore for the couple of days in the aftermath of a tough game, but as players we are on a strict programme to aid our recovery. Ice baths, saunas and massages are essential within 24 hours of a game, while hydration and nutrition also play a key role in preparing the body to be ready for training at the start of the week," added Henshaw, who is an ambassador for vitamin and supplement brand AYA.

While his professional career has been marked by appearances in the colours of Connacht, Leinster and Ireland (not forgetting his selection his selection for the British & Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021), on a personal level Henshaw married his long-term partner Sophie in early 2024.

“Sophie has been by my side throughout the course of my rugby career.

“She has taken the hits alongside me and has to put up with me when I can't play due to injury. We have had some great times together none more so than when we got married the week after Ireland's victory over Scotland in the Six Nations which won us the championship. Those celebrations on a personal and professional level will live long in the memory,” Henshaw said.

Contracted to the IRFU until 2027, Henshaw's primary focus is being a focal player for Leinster as the province aims to win their first European Champions Cup since 2018.

On a personal level he has given thought to life post-rugby and by using his "leadership skills experience" honed during his professional rugby career, he hopes to forge a pathway in business.

"I enjoy working in a team environment so I have been floating the idea of going into business when I finished my professional playing days. It has been a personal goal to complete a Masters in Business but I will take my time to decide and navigate my way through the process when the time eventually arrives," Henshaw said.

Should Henshaw take a step into the business environment with similar success to that achieved to date in his professional rugby career, further fulfilment and reward awaits this revered son of Athlone!