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.
Colin N
Guest
He's been linked to the Crusaders, who are a Welsh Rugby League side who currently play in the Super League. Sam H might be referring to them.
moaman
Roar Guru
"Crusaders maybe?" Sam-Do you think a)The Crusaders are short of midfield players? and b)That they would have the slightest interest?
Sam H
Guest
Crusaders maybe?
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I agree Hayden The Rebels would love him and MQ would be just the man to iron out his problems. He'd be worth a look!!!!
Hayden
Guest
He's got Melbourne Rebels written all over him.
Hoy
Roar Guru
He never truly reached his potential did he? There was so much expected from him, and he was in and out all over the place. Where would he play? Jamie Roberts is pretty good, and one of the best 12s in the UK at the moment, surely.
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Henson is only coming back to earn a bit of wonga. He admitted as much in The Times recently. People need to realise that some of these players - and Danny Cipriani is the other great example - simply don't like rugby that much. One of the regrettable features of the professional game is that it attracts characters who, in the old days, would have given up the game at 15 but who stick around to make a few quid and/or attach themselves to the c-list celebrity circuit. It's a pity.
Seiran
Guest
Surely he's too busy appearing on reality tv shows to play rugby.
Ben S
Roar Guru
I recall the Welsh media hype surrounding Henson years and years ago when he was playing fullback and fly-half for Swansea and had bleached his hair silver. He was making the same media noises even then. There has always been something with Henson, always. The same seems to apply to Danny Cipriani. Obviously the mark of a good coach is facilitating the development of all players, especially those who require extra attention, however at some point enough is enough. As a player Henson was robust and a very good defender, and also an intelligent attacker, but he was also fortunate to benefit from the good form of Tom Shanklin during the Welsh 6N successes. His return to form would benefit Welsh rugby, but Welsh rugby doesn't need Henson, and as a fan I'd welcome the end of this perpetual media debate. He seems to encapsulate the mental fragility that has long been the bane of the national side.