‘Anorak’ Henson set for Dragons debut

GAVIN Henson is set to make his Newport Gwent Dragons debut against Montpellier on Friday.

New head coach Bernard Jackman has told his players he will select on what he has seen in training and Henson has impressed with his fitness, commitment and leadership since joining from Bristol.

“When I went to meet Gavin before we started pre-season I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after we’d spent three hours talking I discovered he is a rugby anorak just like me,” said Jackman.

“He is the ultimate professional and that feeling has been re-enforced ten fold in training. His GPS scores are up there with any of our younger players and if he’s fit he can be a match winner for us.

“He’s a more mature man now with a point to prove coming back home to Wales and I’m looking to him to help bring on our younger players, like Angus O’Brien, Dorian Jones and Arwel Robson.”

The Dragons are taking up to 40 players with them to France for a five-day training camp that will culminate in the Friday night clash with former Scotland coach Vern Cotter’s newlook Montpellier side.The following day another group will head to Franklin’s Gardens to take on Northampton Saints.

Another summer signing, former South Africa and Leinster full-back Zane Kirchner, will also get his first taste of action with his new team-mates and is likely to figure in the clash against Saints.

It is a tough assignment for Jackman and his men meeting two of Europe’s top sides back-to-back, but one the new coach is looking forward to.

“It’s going to be hard to manage, but pre-season is just about getting minutes and making sure everyone gets a fair crack to show they should be in for the first game,” added Jackman.

“Montpellier have a starstudded side and our game against them will be their final prep for their Top 14 opener the next weekend. That will be a challenge and Northampton are no duds either.”