Robbie Henshaw: The smirk of Lions selection

Every British and Irish professional rugby player dreams of being a part of the Lions squad, but it is a privilege gifted to so few. Only the very best in the game get to pull on the red shirt of the touring team, and even fewer get to do it in a test match scenario. So, when Robbie Henshaw was asked a question about Lions selection last Friday evening, a familiar yet endearing smirk emerged from a corner of his mouth.

Now an old boy of international rugby, Henshaw has already been a part of two Lions tests and is hopeful to complete the set. Having failed to achieve a series victory in either New Zealand or South Africa, the Irish Centre will be desperate to finish off with a flurry in Australia.

At 31 years old, Henshaw should be at the peak of his powers, but over the past couple of years he has been hamstrung by a series of minor injuries. Combine that with some serious competition in the midfield from the likes of Bundee Aki and longtime teammate Garry Ringrose, the experienced centre has some competition – not just for Lion’s spaces, but Ireland duty too.

Despite only returning from a ‘minor injury’ he sustained in July, Henshaw has started two out of Ireland’s three Autumn Nations Series matches. His experience and versatility have likely proven a major factor in Andy Farrell’s selection.

Last week against Argentina, the Leinster man started at inside centre alongside Ringrose. This week against Fiji, however, he will likely be given more freedom in the outside channel, as Bundee Aki returns at 12.

Lions selection next year will be made by his current international coach, Andy Farrell, alongside a team of selectors, but that by no means guarantees him a spot. In fact, this time around Henshaw’s selection is less likely than either time before. Not only does he have to compete with the experienced Aki, who tore it up in the World Cup last year, but the growth of England’s Ollie Lawrence and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu provide very real options in the midfield – not to mention the potential inclusion of Farrell’s son, Owen.

With this in mind, the next six months will be vital for Henshaw, as he looks to prove himself ready for the highest honour in British and Irish rugby. The talented centre will need to focus on making the Irish starting position his own, as well as his quest for European dominance with Leinster – all the while staying injury-free and fit.

So what did he say when I asked him about Lions selection? Well, his body language spoke the loudest. Lions selection is on his mind and he certainly plans to be on the plane next year.

The key message from Henshaw was about remaining fit and getting as many quality minutes under his belt as possible:

“Everyone will be pushing for it, so for me it’s just about getting a good few games back-to-back, consistency in my game performance, and just staying on the pitch and stay training.

“Obviously at the end of the year, everyone will have that as their goal to try and be in with a shout.”

As Ireland take on Fiji on Saturday, the 12/13 combination with Aki could well be the future Lions’ midfield.