Veteran Henson tipped to take top flight by storm

GAVIN Henson can prove Bristol’s saviour in their first season back in the Premiership.

The formerly troubled star, right, has found a happy home at the Memorial Ground, with his 270 points in two seasons helping guide the West-Country club to the top flight.

And now the backs coach who helped revive the British Lion’s fortunes has tipped Henson to roll back the years by impressing on the big stage once again.

Matt Sherratt told The Rugby Paper: “Gavin would be a major asset in any club league he plays and will be a massive influence for Bristol this season.

“He always had quality but he has changed as a player and now has more of a tactical influence with his experience.

“He can play 10 or 12 and also provides a physical edge by making big shots and carrying the ball.

“Gav has had some injuries and as a result, he hasn’t played a lot of rugby recently, so there’s no reason he can’t go on for another few seasons.” A Grand Slam winner in 2005 and 2008, Henson’s career hit the skids, appearing for five clubs in the space of three troubled years, amid one offthe-field controversy after another. But Sherratt insists the player has been a significant signing by Andy Robinson at Bristol.

“For me, as a young coach, it was great to have a someone like Gav at Bristol,” said Sherratt. “I had heard a lot about him before he came, most of it off-the-pitch stuff. But having worked together, I cannot speak highly enough about his work on and off the pitch.

“He is very fit and really looks after himself. He eats well and trains hard and that shows with the performances he put in for Bristol.

“He also helps the younger players and we’ve seen Callum Sheedy really develop under him.”

After five years with Bristol, finally clinching promotion from the Championship after beating Doncaster in May’s finale, Sherratt, above, opted to be reunited with Danny Wilson at Cardiff Blues.

Without the spectre of relegation, the Pro12 could be the perfect playground for such a forward-thinking backs coach and a squad bristling with talent such as Alex Cuthbert, Matthew Morgan and Gareth Anscombe.

“Promotion was a fantastic way to finish at Bristol and I was asked a hundred times after the play-off final whether I regretted the decision,” said Sherratt, 40.

“But I knew back in January it was time for a new challenge and work with new players and I really enjoy working with Danny and there is so much potential in this squad.” Shane Williams

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