Henson still big part of Dragons planning

HE MAY not have played since the end of January, but Gavin Henson remains a key part of the Dragons future for next season according to head coach Bernard Jackman.

The 36-year-old former Wales and British & Irish Lions is all set for a return to his double Grand Slam position of inside centre next winter after filling in at No 10 in his 15 games so far this season.

“Gavin was my main outside half at the start of the season. He played there for three months while Arwel Robson was injured,” said Jackman.

“He missed a couple of tackles in the game against the Blues, but we then discovered he had a shoulder injury. We got that sorted, but then he tweaked a hamstring in the warm-up for a game and that has kept him out since then.”

Robson has revealed his full potential in recent weeks and has earned rave reviews from Jackman for his mature performances. Josh Lewis is due to arrive from Bath next season to join the battle for the outside half berth and Angus O’Brien is another candidate.

But a fully fit Henson remains and attractive and viable back line option in the Dragons midfield according to Jackman. He has adapted his training to put on some extra bulk to cope with the defensive demands of playing at centre, but should be able to provide a wealth of experience to whoever plays at No 10 and Wales centre Tyler Morgan on his outside.

“Gavin is very excited about next season and he wants to play at inside centre again. He can control things inside and outside him in that position. He is still massively ambitious and we are looking forward to having him back.”

The Dragons complete their season at the Principality Stadium on Saturday (28 April) with a game against the Scarlets in the opening fixture of Judgement Day VI. They will come into the game on the back of six successive Guinness PRO4 defeats and seeking their first league win since 30 September, when they beat Southern Kings at Rodney Parade.