Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Andy Howell

Gavin Henson's professional rugby career in Wales appears over

Gavin Henson will be leaving the Dragons at the end of the season after failing to secure a contract extension.

The 37-year-old 2008 and 2005 Wales Grand Slam hero has only appeared three times for the Gwent region this season.

He has been left out of the travelling 29-strong playing squad named by caretaker coach Ceri Jones for Guinness PRO14 encounters with Southern Kings and the Cheetahs in South Africa.

Former Wales prop Jones, who is in charge of recruitment and player retention at the Dragons, replied “no” when asked if Henson was being offered another deal.

Jones said he didn’t know if Henson wanted to continue his playing career but, unless he figures against the Scarlets on Judgement Day at the Principality Stadium later this month, the centre, outside-half or full-back seems to have made his final appearance for them.

Henson is highly unlikely to join another Welsh region and it could be the end of his career at professional level, unless he can find a deal outside of Wales.

He made 15 outings last season, scoring 98 points, before picking up a variety of injuries and failing to make an impact of the playing field this term.

GAVIN HENSON CAREER IN PICTURES

The man hired to lead troubled Welsh region to a brighter future has quit less than a year later  

He made his name with the Ospreys and also had stints at Saracens, Toulon, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh, Bath and Bristol before switching to Rodney Parade.

Henson won 33 caps with Wales but never made a World Cup squad, He appeared in a Test for the Lions, when they were hammered by New Zealand in Wellington 14 years ago.

This is how much Wales' best rugby players are now getting paid and why Gareth Anscombe is not happy  

Dragons Wales Grand Slam winning hooker Elliot Dee said: “Gavin has been a brilliant guy to have around the environment.

“Every player would say they have learned a lot from him. He spent an hour this morning training with Arwel Robson (outside-half) giving him tips.

“I think that was brilliant. Everyone has got a massive respect for him. He’s been a great player, he sees things other players don’t.”

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.