Gavin Henson vows to return to Ospreys

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/13634166.stm

Gavin Henson has played down reports that he is poised to join Cardiff Blues.

Henson insists he wants to return to Wales at some point, but would only consder joining the Blues - or another Welsh region - if the Ospreys were to deny him the chance to rejoin them.

"I'd like to think they'd [the Ospreys] take me [back] on.

"But if that's not an option then of course I'm open to any of the other regions when I do come back to Wales."

Henson controversially left the Ospreys in October for Saracens, then moved to Toulon in February, but is now out of contract after the French club turned down the chance to keep him there for two more seasons.

The 29-year-old became an Osprey when his club, Swansea merged with Neath to form the region in 2003.

But after more than 10 years playing in the area and having been on a self-imposed break from the game that began with a foot injury in March 2009, the Ospreys eventually agreed to Henson's release.

The player later revealed he wanted to move to London to be nearer his children from his former relationship with singer and celebrity Charlotte Church.

As my kids are in Wales I'm always going to come back. Whether that's next season or a year or two, I'm not sure
Gavin Henson
He joined Saracens, but only four months later left for Toulon and says family issues remain a major factor in his long-term playing future.

How he fares on his Wales return against the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday and his chances of making the 2011 World Cup squad will also play a part in Henson's decision.

He said: "I have no idea what the future holds at the minute. For me it just all depends on Saturday now, just whether Wales want me or not and I'll look at it then.

"Hopefully I'll have options out there. I really enjoyed playing down in the south of France and playing in that league [French Top 14].

"I probably would like to keep on playing in it, but I am going to come back and play in Wales so hopefully one of the clubs will want me.

"Obviously I've got a strong allegiance to the Ospreys so I'd like to think they'd take me back on.

"But if not then I'll find somewhere else.

"As my kids are in Wales I'm always going to come back. Whether that's next season or a year or two, I'm not sure.

"I haven't heard anything at all [from Cardiff Blues]. Like I said, if I do come back into Wales I'd give the Ospreys the first option.

"That's where I've played all my rugby - with the Ospreys - and I've got a strong tie.

"I'd like to think they'd take me on, but if that's not an option then of course I'm open to any of the other regions when I do come back to Wales."

Pretty much a come and get me plea to the Ospreys I would say!

Funnily enough the Ospreys fans opinion is pretty much 50/50 on him returning.

Page last updated at 17:46 GMT, Thursday, 2 June 2011 18:46 UK

Why did it come up on the bbc website for me then, lol

He moved to London to be near his kids but now he wants to move to Wales to be near his kids! A confused man!

This was done weeks ago?

wales606 wrote:This was done weeks ago?

Over a month ago and there wasnt a story in it then

Thursday, 2 June 2011

henson is always a story.

he was (is) a great talent. he said in interview (many moons ago) he didnt even want to play rugby. now he says he does. are wales so blessed that we can ignore this man with such talent and desire?

when he has played he has done some great things. many hope he could do great things again.

if henson wants to play then i reckon he could do well. but form is elusive.

i hope a welsh region take him on. as a blues fan i would be happy to see him at the schitty schdadium (i might well be in a minority) as a henson fan i would be happy to see him back at the Os. as a welsh fan i would like to see him at the dave.

but if he cant get his game on then he is toast.

give him some summer test time. give him a rwc squad berth. give him a run in pre 6n training. if he can 'bring' then give him a 6n squad berth. he could be great in his rugby twilight. could be really great.

not saying its not going to be an uphill struggle for the man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w3fPxh9HtM

A fantastic idea, I'm sure he could easily slot back into part of the Ospreys set-up. Maybe as a their mascot or cheerleader or waterboy...

GLove39 wrote:A fantastic idea, I'm sure he could easily slot back into part of the Ospreys set-up. Maybe as a their mascot or cheerleader or waterboy...

the kids are back in wales now, henson is big news and he will help boost season tickets shirt sales etc

However how well since he has played well? how long did he mess the ospreys about last time.

Would fans off other regions/clubs want him at their side?

for me it's a no stay away from him ospreys

I dont really mind if he comes back or not.

To be fair I was rather looking forward to the nippers getting a run out. THough Ashley Beck was playing really well this year.

What I don't get is how you guys know what Henson's whereabouts are, when his reality show is going to be on, where his kids are, whether he flosses etc?

Phone hacking?

With doubts over the Tuilagi to Dragons deal (nothing's been announced officially), I'd take Henson at Dave Parade next season. I doubt we could sign him this season though with the WC and the likelihood he'll probably stay in France. If I was an Ospreys fan, I wouldn't want him back. He's burned his bridges at the O's for me.

I dont think any of the regions have a budget to compete against the French or English clubs that may put in offers.

Then again no one can have a realistic value as he hasnt really done enough to prove that he is worth the investment. if he doesnt make the world cup squad there will be little to judge him by.

He says he wants to be at the World cup, he says he wants to be considered a rugby player. All the reports from Saracens and Toulon said he trained very hard and that he is putting in the effort required to get him back into contention.

If it all works out he could be offered a great opportunity at the world cup, he may take it and make something of it, this may lead to a big contract.

If it doesnt then his value will be low and he may end up in line for a regional contract.

I would really like to see him do well, I think he gets far too much bad press. Id like to see him go to a team like the Tigers where he would really have to prove himself.