Henson: How I was pushed out of Ospreys

Eight years ago, Gavin Henson walked away from Welsh rugby at a time of personal turmoil. This week, Welsh rugby’s greatest unfulfilled talent announced he is ready to return home after signing a two-year deal with Newport Gwent Dragons at the age of 35.

Gavin Henson has revealed the real reason why he didn’t return to the Ospreys after ending his self-imposed exile from rugby.

He claims, in a fascinating and typically candid interview, his return to the so-called ‘Galacticos’ at the Liberty Stadium was blocked by Scott Johnson and Andrew Hore.

Johnson, who had been Mike Ruddock’s backs guru when Henson starred during Wales’ first Six Nations Grand Slam for 27 years, was Ospreys director of rugby.

Hore was Wales’ fitness chief in 2005 but was subsequently appointed performance director and then chief operating officer of the Ospreys.

Henson was still contracted to the Liberty Stadium outfit when he decided to end his injury-induced sabbatical and the region’s then joint managing director Mike Cuddy wanted him to return to the fold.

But talks with other power-brokers at the Ospreys over his future proved fruitless, Henson said: “Scott Johnson and Andrew Hore didn’t want any of it.” He was released from his Ospreys contract in October 2010 and was promptly snapped up by English club Saracens.

The now 35-year-old yesterday gave struggling Welsh region Newport Gwent Dragons a huge fillip for next season by signing with them following spells with Toulon, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh, Bath and current club Bristol.

And the twice Six Nations Grand Slam king was adamant he hasn’t given up on his Wales ambitions, believing he’s got plenty to offer the Dragons and Welsh rugby if he can stay injury-free. “I’ve not retired from international rugby and sometimes, when I’ve watched Wales playing and it’s not be going right, I think I could still do a job and offer something different,” said Henson.

“I haven’t played that much rugby, which hasn’t been great, but the plus side is I’m not burnt out. I feel there’s a lot of rugby left in me and, ironically, the knocks I’ve had have given me longevity.”

Henson, a Lion in 2005 in New Zealand, will be employed as outside-half play-maker by the Dragons.

Part one of our big Gav interview:

Q. Gavin, you’re coming home to Wales. Why now and why the Dragons?

I’m really happy at my age to get a two-year contract with the Dragons.

It feels the right time to come back. I’ve been playing away from Wales a long time and I’m seeing this as good opportunity to come back and pit myself against the current Wales internationals and the best players in the Pro12.

They have got some good players at the Dragons in the backs, like Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt and Tom Prydie.

I think they can benefit from all the experiences I’ve had in rugby, working with different players and coaches, and in a variety of leagues, whether it’s the Pro12, the Aviva Premiership or the French Top 14.

I hope to pass that on to those young lads and I can’t wait to play in that backline. I think I can get the best out of them and help them to look good. Q. Can you help transform the Dragons into a force?

I hope so, that’s one of the reasons I’m joining. I honestly believe it won’t take a lot to turn them around.

If we start off next season with one or two wins and get a bit of confidence I’m sure those boys will flourish.

I’ll do my best to give them some guidance and I don’t see any reason why we can’t be Wales’ best finisher in the Pro12. We want to make them Wales’ top region.

Bristol had a training game against them which I played in and the Dragons have also got a decent pack. We had a hard time against them so, if we have a forward platform next season, we’ve got boys who can light up the Pro12 if they’re playing with confidence and direction.

The Dragons have also signed the South African international Zane Kirchner, who can help in the backs, which is another positive. Q. You’ve previously worked with the Dragons coach Kingsley Jones at London Welsh. What’s he like?

He’s a character, a funny guy and the type of coach you want to play for.

Kingsley had a good combination with Lyn Jones at London Welsh and there was never a dull moment.

I look forward to working with him. He’s an intelligent guy and I like the exciting way he wants to plays the game. Q. What’s your view of the Pro12?

It’s much better since it became a proper qualifying tournament for Europe.

Thinking about it, it was ridiculous when I was playing for the Ospreys that the qualification formula wasn’t the same as it is now.

When I left I was ready for a change, to play against different teams in what at the time was more meaningful competition.

But the Pro12 is much better now and there’s plenty to play for, Europe, the title play-offs and leading international players. Q. Have you enjoyed it at Bristol?

There’s been a lot of changes this season with Andy Robinson and Sean Holley leaving. It wasn’t good for me and I was personally disappointed at that happening because they are good coaches and had signed me.

But I have enjoyed my time playing for Bristol and the support I’ve had from the fans, considering I signed for them from their big rivals next door, Bath.

Even though I’m leaving at the end of the season I will still be giving my all for Bristol to try and stop us going down from the Aviva Premiership. Q. You’ve had two serious injuries this season, what shape are you actually in these days?

I’m coming off a bit of a bad year in terms of injuries, but my body feels great. I feel mentally refreshed and physically I know how to look after my body really well.

The injuries I have had have been the result of bumps, which is an occupational hazard playing rugby, in matches, not muscle pulls.

When you count how many injuries I’ve had over the years I haven’t played that much rugby, which hasn’t been great, but the plus side is I’m not burnt out. I feel there’s a lot of rugby left in me and, ironically, the knocks have given me longevity. Q. What is the full extent of the injuries you’ve sustained playing rugby? A. Blimey, I’ll have to look at the scars on my body to make sure I don’t miss any!

Two broken legs, both ankles, a broken wrist for Wales against England in 2011, which cost me any chance of going to the World Cup, a shoulder operation, knees, broken ribs, pelvis, a fractured cheekbone in a pre-season ‘friendly’ against the Scarlets, a hernia and torn calves. Q. How difficult has it been to keep coming back?

It’s been tough, but I love playing the game. I’m pretty good at it and pretty confident when I’m playing.

I’ve got some good form going and then been hit by injuries, and they always seem to be pretty serious. Q. Have there been times when you’ve come close to retiring?

I kind of did in 2009 when my head went after being injured for the Ospreys against Gloucester.

That’s why I took a sabbatical. At that time I didn’t understand my body or the injuries and it was only after employing some personal physios I figured out what was happening.

You can’t prevent impact injuries occurring on the field, but it’s been frustrating how many I’ve had. Q. Why didn’t you return to rugby with the Ospreys after ending your sabbatical?