Gavin Henson has agreed to lace up his rugby boots once again, less than a fortnight after being released by the Dragons and appearing bound for retirement as a player.
The Wales international will feature in Paul James’ testimonial match at The Gnoll in Neath on July 27.
Henson will play for a Select XV against a Classic Lions selection in a match that will see many of James’ old Ospreys and Wales team-mates rolling back the years.
Shane Williams has also agreed to figure for the Select XV along with fellow Wales international Andy Powell, while Dafydd James will line up for the Classic Lions.
Henson’s last outing for the Ospreys at The Gnoll saw him rattle up 24 points as a side coached by Lyn Jones wrapped up the Celtic League title with victory over Edinburgh in 2005.
He and James go back further again.
The pair were involved in the first-ever competitive game the Ospreys played, against Ulster on September 5, 2003, with James starting the match as a promising 21-year-old and Henson, not for the first time, stealing the show, with the former Swansea RFC man appearing off the bench to claim two tries in a 15-point haul.
They were also part of another title-winning side in 2006-07 and remained team-mates until Henson left the Liberty in 2009.
As one of rugby's most widely respected players, James is likely to receive plenty of backing for his big day.
He and Henson recently turned up to support another former Osprey, Richard Hibbard, when he launched his new business venture, The Hideout Cafe, in Aberafan Shopping Centre.
Ospreys and Scarlets challenge fans to Paint The Town Red (and Black) this weekend
Henson is embarking on a fresh career of his own, with the former Wales international set to become landlord of the Fox and Hounds pub in St Brides Major.
