Robbie Henshaw shows support for Cannonball Ireland event ahead of 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up clash against England

IRELAND and Leinster ace Robbie Henshaw was spotted at the launch event for the Irish Cannonball event.

The centre, who is preparing for the 2023 Rugby World Cup attended an charity announcement for the Irish leg of the event.

Cannonball Ireland is an annual gathering of supercar enthusiasts, who drive in convoy on an adventurous and picturesque road trip around Ireland, raising funds for charity.

Henshaw is not involved in the Ireland team to face England in today’s warm-up clash ahead of the World Cup as Andy Farrell tries out other options in midfield.

But the popular Leinster star was kind enough to show his support for the fundraising event.

A post from Cannonball Ireland read: “Best of luck to the irishruby team and @robhenshaw who was so kind to us and gorgeous little James in his supercar as we get set to announce @jackandjill as our charity for 2023. #cannonballireland2023 #teamofus #irishrugby.”

The Cannonball Ireland stage gets underway 15-17 Sept 2023.

Meanwhile, Andy Farrell has named James Ryan as captain as Ireland host England.

Ryan will captain the side in the absence of suspended leader Johnny Sexton, with Ross Byrne starting at 10 in his place.

Garry Ringrose and Tadhg Beirne, who were both unavailable for that game last March through injury, also start.

Meanwhile Connacht’s Cian Prendergast will audition for a World Cup squad place at No. 8 as he wins his eight cap.

Munster back Keith Earls is named among the replacements and will win his 100th cap at some stage.

That bench also sees Jeremy Loughman included after he was added to the World Cup training squad earlier this week with Dave Kilcoyne currently out injured.

Jack Conan is also not among the 23, with no timeframe on his return from a foot injury suffered in the clash 33-17 win over Italy a fortnight ago.

Ireland: H Keenan, M Hansen, G Ringrose, B Aki, J Lowe, R Byrne, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong, T Beirne, J Ryan, P O’Mah