Henson to finally realise his World Cup dream?
GAVIN Henson could realise his dream of playing in a World Cup after unexpectedly switching to rugby league.
The former union icon, released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018-19 season, has joined 13-a-side club West Wales Raiders.
And his decision to cross codes may have the spin-off of finally seeing him compete in a global tournament – he never featured in such an event in union – with Wales RL coach John Kear pledging to keep an eye on his progress ahead of the World Cup in England next year.
Henson will be 39 by the time he pulls on a Raiders jersey but he’s kept himself in shape and Raiders will hope he can improve their fortunes, with the club struggling in 2019 with just one win from 20 league matches.
He never announced his retirement from rugby after his release from the Dragons and has played Sunday League football after becoming landlord of The Fox pub in St Brides Major.
Speaking yesterday, the former Osprey said the move had come about after after he met the Raiders’ Andrew Thorne and part-owner Peter Tiffin.
“It all started when I met Andrew and Peter through some mutual friends,” explained Henson.
“The main aim of the first meeting was to see if we could do something to help grow the club and help with some skill sessions for the younger age groups, but after speaking to them both at length and hearing their plans I was keen to actually sign and get back on the pitch.
“It’s been documented that I would have liked to have a go at league when I was younger, but the opportunity was never right and having spoken to Andrew and Peter at the club everything seemed to have lined up nicely.
“I’m under no illusion the change is going to be a tough one and looking at the standard of League 1 it looks like a very tough but exciting competition. This was never about Welsh caps or money but more of a personal ambition to have a go at rugby league and see how the both codes differ.
“Regardless of what I have done in the past, this is going to be a whole new ball game and I know I have a bit to learn especially the difference in rules but I’m as excited as ever to get back on the field and start training with the boys.”
The league is currently on ice amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a meeting is being held between club owners at the end of the month to plot its return.
Established in 2009, Raiders play in the third tier of rugby league in the UK, in Betfred League 1, with the likes of the North Wales Crusaders, Newcastle Thunder and Keighley Cougars.
■ More rugby news: SportWales