Gavin Henson’s injury curse has struck again — despite the Wales Grand Slam winner having seemingly retired as a professional rugby player.
The 37-year-old had agreed to lace up his boots for Paul James’ testimonial match at The Gnoll on July 27.
But he has informed organisers he is unable to play on medical grounds.
It is a similar story for Henson’s former Wales and Ospreys team-mate Ryan Jones.
He has also been placed off limits by doctors, though the pair have promised to turn up and support James on the day.
The news was released via James’ official @Ten21Testimoni1 Twitter page.
“Unfortunately we have had to announce a couple of injuries in the build up to the summer’s hottest game! @gavinhenson82 @ryanjonesonline have had to pull out having had medical advice but are intending to join us on the day,” the announcement ran.
It is the latest in a long line of orthopaedic issues to befall Henson, and indeed Jones, over the years
Henson finished playing for the Dragons at the end of last season and is becoming landlord of the Fox and Hounds pub and restaurant in St Brides Major.
But now medical matters have once again interrupted his rugby plans.
Brighter news is that the walking quiz question that is Dave Tiueti — the first man to score a try in a competitive regional rugby match, for the Ospreys against Ulster on September 5, 2003 — has stepped in to play for the Classic Lions in the match against a Select XV.
The Select XV will feature names that include Nick Evans, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, James Hook, Jonathan Thomas, Rowland Phillips,Taufa’ao Filise, Barry Davies and Andy Powell.
Allan Bateman, Dafydd James, Delon Armitage, Chris Wyatt, John Davies, Ian Gough and Jason Forster are among those set to feature in the Lions side.
It will be a stroll down memory lane that is attracting a lot of interest with tickets selling briskly for the event in Neath.
The game has been called 'Ten21' after James' international cap number as well as a bistro bar he and his wife own in Neath.
Tickets for the match are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children and concessions.
More tickets are now available here.
