Ospreys and Henson "In Talks"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/14682469.stm

Gavin Henson has held talks with the Ospreys over a possible return to the Liberty Stadium.

Henson was recently recalled as Wales centre, although will miss the World Cup with a wrist injury.

But 10 months after leaving the Ospreys in controversial circumstances, Henson, 29, could be on his way back.

BBC Sport Wales also understands the Ospreys are not the only team interested in signing the player who has become a reality television star.

When he left the Swansea-based region for Saracens in 2010, Henson had already been absent from the game since March 2009 because of injury and personal issues.

But the player emphasised one day he would like to return to the Ospreys. In June 2011 he re-iterated that desire.

In the wake of his break-up in 2010 with former partner, singer Charlotte Church, Henson cited wanting to be near his children as the reason for hoping to move to a London club.

But his October 2010 move to Saracens was short-lived, Henson joining French Top 14 side Toulon in February of that season.

While in the south of France Henson became embroiled in an off-field incident that led to a one-week ban.

But Toulon cited financial pressures and Henson's possible involvement in the World Cup as the reasons for not keeping him in the south of France for the 2011-12.

Henson was controversially recalled by Wales for their 31-28 defeat by the Barbarians in June, more than two years after appearing at Test level.

He missed out on Wales' first August World Cup warm-up against England on 6 August, which Warren Gatland's side lost 23-19.

And a week later he suffered the injury after impressing in 31 minutes of action in the Millennium Stadium rematch that Wales won 19-9.

That ended Henson's World Cup hopes and he is not expected to be fit until mid November.

i really hope he doesn't come back. if he does... then with a seriously reduced salary, and a webfeed of him eating some pie.

Strong rumor he met cuddy in the week , if he agrees to pay as you play and curtails his outside rugby interests then yeah sign him if he doesn't then he sling his hook

Why not?

I think some people might have to swallow their egos and *shock horror in Welsh rugby* act professionally but we need a centre and he's available. Performance related pay I think, because of injury considerations.

Henson and senior members of the Ospreys management held a three hour meeting last week. The player was told that if he wanted to return he needed to make rugby his first, second and third priorities. Both parties are now taking stock. It's understood there are differences of opinion within the Ospreys over re-signing Henson.

-Gareth Lewis , BBC

I take that to mean cuddy wants him the coaches don't .

the Ospreys aren't that strong in the centre with Hook gone, he'd be a good signing for them if he's got his head right, if he starts messing them about again though could be the end of his career this time.

beck bishop parker are the top 3 centres , a fit and focussed henson is better then any of them.

Is he worth the risk?

The guy is a fantastic footballer,one of the best centres in Europe,if he got his head screwed on he could be one of the top guys in the world. I'm surprised Munster didn't take a punt on him,we're a bit short of a top class centre.

I don't think the O's need him, so why bother? They don't owe him anything...in fact they went out of their way for him at one time. He's only in these "talks" because of Cuddy. If they coaches don't want him, then leave it be. Why waste the money on him? Give someone else a chance. He'll only take the urine again, and he's still an injury liability anyway.

With no Hook or Byrne Henson will get time at 10,12,13 & 15.

He will also help develop excellent talents such as Prydie, Owen, Dirksen & Isaacs.

Having Henson also increases the Ospreys average attendance from 2371 to 2400

jb1973 wrote:beck bishop parker are the top 3 centres , a fit and focussed henson is better then any of them.

Is he worth the risk?

No, he will be a bad influence in the dressing room, and he will be made an exception to every rule. Having him back will undermine Scott Johnson.

If the Dragons took him on a pay as you play basis I would have no qualms.Tovey at 10 with Gav at 12 could be tasty for Dragons and Wales.He must grow up at some point,surely?

Ospreys shouldn't have him back. Although not impressed with Beck, Bishop and Parker Ospreys should concentrate on them and look to target a centre with experience who is also a full time rugby player, not a part time one.