Former Wales star Gavin Henson has declared himself ready to return to international rugby. The 28 year-old, who hasn’t played rugby since March 2009, wants to return to the Wales team in preparation for the Six Nations and next year’s World Cup.
Henson is looking for a fresh start away from his old club the Neath-Swansea Ospreys to deal with his recent split with singer Charlotte Church, the mother of his two children.
“I had heart-to-heart talks with the Ospreys – I opened my heart to them really – told them what had gone on,” Henson told BBC’s Two’s Scrum TV. “I told them for compassionate reasons, for my mental state of mind, I need to go somewhere for the season.”
But Henson is currently contracted with the Ospreys, making his desire to play elsewhere a little problematic.
Moreover, Wales coach Warren Gatland has publicly said that players who leave their Welsh clubs to ply their trade overseas will harm their chances of playing for the national side, despite Andy Powell recently moving to the London Wasps with the blessing of the WRU. Whether they will be as lenient with Henson, however, remains to be seen.
Arguably one of the most talented inside backs to play for Wales in the last few decades, Henson has toured with the British and Irish Lions, and was instrumental in Wales’ 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam, where he kicked a long range 77th minute penalty to beat then World Champions England.
For many, however, Henson hasn’t quite lived up to his potential.
This is largely due to injury and, for some critics, a lack of desire and commitment to rugby. While much of this criticism has perhaps been too harsh, Henson has learned some tough lessons through his early naivete.
A horrid run of injuries has undoubtedly also battered Henson’s self-confidence, and along with his personal troubles, Henson has until recently been in no shape mentally to return to professional rugby.
But the versatile back claims he’s ready to play again. “I feel I’ve got my hunger back, visualising in training about the game again,” Henson said. “I feel like I’ll only need about one or two games to prove myself.”
If Henson can truly overcome his personal issues and regain the desire and confidence required to be a successful elite athlete, he will surely be an asset to the national side.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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