‘Henson would walk from Bristol to Cardiff for Judgement Day’
KINGSLEY Jones has revealed one of Gavin Henson’s biggest regrets after turning his back on Welsh rugby has been missing out on the bumper Judgement Day derbies at the Principality Stadium.
The Newport Gwent Dragons coach disclosed his star signing for next season has already turned his attention to the showpiece matches.
Jones’ men face the Scarlets in the Welsh capital in the Guinness Pro12 a week on Saturday with Cardiff Blues taking on the Ospreys in the second of the back-to-back encounters.
It’s a trial for contenders for Wales’ end of season Tests with Tonga and Samoa and a final chance for candidates to impress Warren Gatland before he announces his Lions squad for the tour of New Zealand.
And the mouth-watering Judgement Day clashes are vital to the Ospreys and Scarlets’ bids to finish in the top four of the table and reach next month’s title play-offs.
At the other end of the Pro12, the Dragons are battling to avoid finishing bottom and the Blues to find some form ahead of the play-offs for the final place in next season’s European Champions Cup.
With organisers hoping for a sell-out crowd in excess of 74,000, there’s eager anticipation for Judgement Day, not least from double Wales Grand Slam hero and Lion Henson, who is currently with Aviva Premiership strugglers Bristol.
“There’s a buzz about these games – Gavin Henson texted me this week to say he can’t wait to play in these matches,” said former Wales captain Jones.
“It may be a year away for him but he wants to be part of Judgement Day. If he was available he’d walk to Cardiff from Bristol to play for us this weekend!”
Jones insisted the Pro12, which is loved in Ireland and Glasgow but is often knocked in Wales, is the real deal.
“It’s been seen in the European Champions Cup with Leinster and Munster showing the way by reaching the semi-finals,” he insisted.
“The league we are in is exceptional – it has the most varied and balanced styles of play because it’s got teams from different countries.”
Jones and Philippe Saint-Andre coached Sale Sharks to Premiership glory with the former pointing out the success of the English topflight didn’t occur overnight.
“Ten years ago I was lucky enough to be in the Premiership final in England and there’s all these comparison about crowds. There was 30,000 and then there was 50,000.
“It does take time to grow these competitions and matches.
“It’s remarkable where Judgement Day is now compared to four years ago when it started and I hope it’s a full house a week on Saturday.”
Former Lions and Wales playmaker Stephen Jones took part in Premiership double-headers when he was with Wasps and has no doubt how important they are.
“I love these occasions. For us as coaches it’s wonderful to be party of Judgement Day. It’s not just the day but the whole week,” he said.