Eric Elwood has tipped former Westmeath minor football star Robbie Henshaw to play rugby for Ireland.

In a week when the GAA headlines have been dominated by Darren Sweetnam's decision to choose rugby over hurling and Ciaran Kilkenny's imminent move to the AFL, Henshaw's remarkable progress with the Connacht rugby team has gone almost unnoticed.

After representing his county at minor level in 2010 and 2011, the Athlone youngster would surely be featuring in Westmeath senior manager Pat Flanagan's plans for next year had he not decided to pursue a career in rugby. And after starting Connacht's last two Pro12 matches at full back, including last Friday night's landslide victory over Heineken Cup champions Leinster, Connacht boss Elwood - himself a former GAA player - is predicting big things for the former Marist College student.

Describing him as a "special player", Elwood told The Irish Independent: "Robbie Henshaw will play for Ireland, that is what I see in him.

"He has great ability, he is a good talent who can play at 13 or 15. I am a firm believer that if you are good enough you are old enough and Robbie is good enough." Tweet

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