Henson signs for Sarries
Wales and Ospreys centre Gavin Henson has signed for English Premier club, Saracens.
After weeks of speculation, the Strictly Come Dancing star has finally agreed terms with both his old club and the new home for his prodigious talents. His agent Matt Ginvert says that Henson will return to action just as soon as his commitment to Strictly have been completed.
“Gavin is thrilled.” Ginvert commented. “He’s totally committed to see through Strictly Come Dancing and to do his best to win.”
He added: “He’s really looking forward to getting back on the rugby pitch when he is available to do so.”
Mike Cuddy, Ospreys’ Managing Director signalled his reluctant agreement to release Henson from his contract after protracted negotiations that involved rumoured threats of legal action from both sides. “It is necessary that we make the decision that we have in order to allow everyone to move forward,” he commented.
Saracens have lost Derick Hougaard to an Achilles injury that will see the fly-half out for the remainder of the season, which will open speculation as to where Henson will take his career. The talented back can play at fly-half, centre or full-back, but up to his leave of absence he was filling the role of inside-centre and defence co-ordinator for Wales. Seemingly settled in his new role, filling a need in modern rugby for a playmaker at what the southern hemisphere refers to as second five-eighth, questions marks will appear over whether he can continue in that role. Cardiff, Wales and Lions inside-centre Jamie Roberts has made the position his own and following the award of Player of the Series after the last Lions tour, he is widely seen as impregnable in the position.
There was some discussion of whether Henson could fill the Brian O’Driscoll role of a playmaker in the Outside-Centre position, but with his current move and James Hook playing brilliantly in the position it now seems more likely that the Swansea man will attempt to oust Stephen Jones from his position as Wales’s standoff.
Henson has expressed his wish to be in London, to be near his children, who live in the capital with their mother: his estranged wife, singer and TV personality, Charlotte Church.
Whatever position he plays in, it will, no doubt please Wales coach Warren Gatland, who now has an embarrassment of riches in key positions : Stephen Jones, James Hook and Henson can all play standoff half, the latter two and Jamie Roberts can play inside centre, and both Henson and Hook can deputise for Lee Byrne at full back. It gives the New Zealander a headache over how to shuffle his cards, but it’s a headache he will be glad to have.
Henson has won 31 caps for Wales and also toured New Zealand with the 2005 British and Irish Lions.
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