Wales has recalled Gavin Henson for rugby’s Six Nations, handing the centre what could be a last chance to re-establish himself at international level.
Henson missed Wales’ fourth-place finish at last year’s World Cup because of a broken arm and is one of four players in the 35-man squad who did not make at least the tournament training squad or December’s Test against Australia.
With first-choice inside centre Jamie Roberts carrying a knee injury, coach Warren Gatland also called up Ospreys centre Ashley Beck as one of six uncapped players.
The others are wing Harry Robinson, scrumhalf Rhys Webb, prop Rhodri Jones, fullback Liam Williams and lock Lou Reed.
“We have had to strike a balance with this squad,” Gatland said. “The majority are those players who excelled for Wales during the Rugby World Cup, but we are also taking the opportunity to look at one or two youngsters before probably cutting our numbers even further.”
The squad will be trimmed after a week of intense training, which includes the use of cryotherapy chambers to improve recovery and allow players to cram in more sessions.
Wales’ fitness after a training camp in Poland was cited as one of the reasons for the players’ sometimes sparkling play in New Zealand.
“These are exciting times for Welsh rugby,” Gatland said. “We showed a huge amount of potential at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and we will be working as hard as humanly possible to ensure that we reach our potential in this year’s Six Nations championship.”
Henson would probably have been at the World Cup but broke his arm after half an hour of an August warmup against England. That match at Twickenham was one of only two appearances in three years blighted by injury, poor form and a self-imposed break from the game.
His other appearance was against the Barbarians in June.
He is 30 next month and has been criticised by Welsh fans and media for putting a celebrity lifestyle ahead of his rugby career, but his imaginative attacking play and the experience of 33 tests in more than 10 years could be valuable in a campaign that opens against Ireland in Dublin on February 5.
Wales: Backs: Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Webb, Rhys Priestland, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson, Ashley Beck, George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Harry Robinson, Liam Williams, Lee Byrne.
Forwards: Craig Mitchell, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Rhys Gill, Rhodri Jones, Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Lou Reed, Ryan Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Andy Powell.
mattamkII
Guest
How great is it to see welsh rugby coming back. Can someone over there please let Welsh rugby know Ryan Jones shouldn't be playing pro-rugby let alone in a national team. I thought I imagined how poor he was so for the last few years I have been trying to prove myself wrong and watching him constantly. I honestly think that guy is a club/semi-pro player at best. It really astonishing that he's played so much. He's slow, soft and not skillful by and stretch.
Scarlet
Guest
There are a few guys ahead of him who are not only playing better rugby, but also based in Wales or close by with contract releases. Besides that, he had his chance and couldn't cut it. Good for Welsh rugby that Henson may feature, on his day he is a great and sublime player, possibly the perfect foil for Jamie Roberts as well as providing cover across a number of positions.
Ben Farrell
Guest
He isn't in Faletau's league or even Powells.
Bayxxx
Guest
Still staggers me the a certain G Delve doesn't feature....he was one of the better 8's in S15 last year -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.