IRELAND’S bosses have hailed the significant coup of retaining “world-class” centre Robbie Henshaw on a new three-year contract.

Henshaw has signed new terms to remain in Ireland with Leinster until 2022, leaving Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) performance director David Nucifora purring.

Lions centre Henshaw has racked up 37 caps since his 2013 Test debut, helping Ireland to the 2018 Six Nations grand slam.

Leinster flanker Sean O’Brien will join London Irish after the autumn’s World Cup, but Henshaw’s new deal is a reminder of the IRFU’s powers in retaining the bulk of their top stars.

“Robbie has established himself as a leader within this Ireland squad and has delivered consistent world-class performances which have helped to drive the sustained success enjoyed by the national team,” said Nucifora. “He has a hunger for improvement and in driving the standards of those around him.”

“I am delighted to have signed a new three-year contract with the IRFU,” said Henshaw. “It is an exciting time to be part of Irish Rugby and having tasted success with both Ireland and Leinster in recent seasons I am eager to play a role in driving further success at both international and provincial level.”

Ireland’s Six Nations campaign has been boosted by the return to fitness of locks Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne.

Ulster’s Lions second-row Henderson has shaken off a finger complaint ahead of schedule, while Beirne has beaten a knee complaint.

Henderson will be itching to feature in Sunday’s Rome clash against Italy, but could be ruled out if handed a suspension in a Tuesday night Pro14 disciplinary hearing in Edinburgh.

Centre Chris Farrell is fit, though fellow midfielder Garry Ringrose has not beaten the hamstring complaint that kept him out of the 22-13 victory in Scotland and has returned to Leinster for the week.

Uncapped Connacht trio Caolin Blade, Jack Carty and Tom Farrell have also joined up with Ireland in a 34-strong squad to prepare to face the Azzurri.

“Chris Farrell has been reviewed by the Ireland medical team and is fit to train today,” the IRFU confirmed in a statement. “Garry Ringrose and Rhys Ruddock will continue their respective hamstring rehab at Leinster this week.

“Will Addison has some lower back stiffness that is being managed at Ulster this week.

“Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, who were named in the initial Six Nations squad, have joined the group at Carton House this week.”