Henson set to honour Hook in testimonial

GAVIN Henson has been lined up to come out of retirement as a rugby player for one more game to honour old pal James Hook.

Henson has never formally announced the end of his rugbyplaying days, but the 37-year-old hasn’t played since being released by the Dragons at the end of last season.

Now actually playing football for his local team, he has agreed to support Hook in his testimonial match at The Gnoll on July 11.

Hook has been granted a benefit year by the Ospreys Supporters Club, the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union. The likelihood is he will be backed by a cluster of big names, with Henson the first to be announced.

“Gavin has told James he’ll be playing,” said Matt Church, of cambriasportsgroup.com, who will organise the event after the huge success of Paul James’ testimonial match last summer.

“I’m sure the event will be a winner on many different fronts.

“James is a hugely-popular figure who has been liked by players and supporters wherever he has played.

“His approach to the game has resonated with people and my guess is the public will want to show their appreciation for all he has contributed over the years. We hope to line up more internationals to play.”

Hook will relish playing on his old stamping ground in Neath once again.

As a teenager he played some of his finest rugby in the colours of the Welsh All Blacks during a spell that saw him pile up 26 tries and 816 points in 62 appearances, setting a club record points haul of 466 in 2004-05.

He also distinguished himself with the Ospreys, Perpignan and Gloucester while totalling 81 caps for Wales and touring South Africa with the Lions in 2009.