Cardiff Blues target Henson

FROM WALES ON LINE (link at bottom)

Gavin Henson could be back in Welsh rugby next season – if power-brokers at the Blues get their way.

The Western Mail can today reveal that the region, headed by chairman Peter Thomas, have been working behind the scenes to mount a dramatic swoop for the double Grand Slam hero.

Sources have told us painstaking efforts are being made to lure Henson – who was yesterday named in the Wales team to take on the Barbarians on Saturday – back home with the Blues offering him a double incentive.

The 29-year-old stated he wanted to wear the No.10 jersey when he ended a 21-month sabbatical from rugby with English club Saracens last December.

And the Blues are prepared to give him the chance to solve their outside-half dilemma.

Scotland international Dan Parks failed to get the Blues’ backline firing last season, and the threat of New Zealander Casey Laulala and Wales stars Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny went to waste. There was also a reluctance to pick Welsh international Ceri Sweeney ahead of him and the No.10 spot has been a real problem for Dai Young’s side.

Blues’ chiefs believe Henson, who began his career at outside-half and was superb in the position for the Ospreys before shifting to inside centre, could transform their ailing fortunes overnight.

They flopped in last season’s Heineken Cup and finished out of the top four in the Magners League to miss out on a play-off spot.

But there is also a feeling at the highest level at the Blues that Henson could bring the wow factor to the Cardiff City Stadium, similar to that brought by All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu to the Arms Park six years ago.

The region was floundering then when Thomas engineered a stunning coup to sign one of rugby union’s biggest names.

It sparked a huge surge of interest and sell-out crowds and the Blues’ powers-that-be feel Henson would do the same.

French trio Stade Francais, Bayonne and Biarritz are also trailing Henson following his exit from Toulon last month.

At his best Henson would be a stunning addition to the Blues’ squad and it’s understood such a move for the 31-times capped international would meet the approval of the Wales management and Welsh Rugby Union.

Blues’ benefactor Thomas, whose fortune has kept the region afloat since they were formed in 2003, is no stranger to signing star material.

As well as Lomu, Thomas has brought Wales stars Jonathan Davies, Rob Howley and Neil Jenkins to the capital city.

And, love or loathe him, there’s no doubting the talent of Henson.

He could be just the talisman the fans crave to spark a playing revolution at the Blues.

The Blues’ hierarchy are desperate to see them return to the top table of European rugby and challenge for Heineken Cup glory.

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/06/02/blues-target-shock-gavin-henson-signing-91466-28805668/#ixzz1O6Qt1LgQ

What do Blues fans think of the report in the Western Mail today that The Blues are looking to offer Henson a lifeline and sign him up.

Supposedly to play at 10.

Would it work?

Would a midfield of

9 Rees
10 Henson
12 Roberts
13 Laulala

ensure that the back 3 actually see some ball next year?

Parks for me is the Blues major headache in the backline but Ceri Sweeney does not get the credit he deserves as he is a much better 10 than Parks for my money.

Thoughts!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/06/02/blues-target-shock-gavin-henson-signing-91466-28805668/

l forgot to add the link.

Doctor Nick (Hi everybody!) - I added in a link and the content of the article - hope you dont mind!

Gavin Henson could be back in Welsh rugby next season – if power-brokers at the Blues get their way.

The Western Mail can today reveal that the region, headed by chairman Peter Thomas, have been working behind the scenes to mount a dramatic swoop for the double Grand Slam hero.

Sources have told us painstaking efforts are being made to lure Henson – who was yesterday named in the Wales team to take on the Barbarians on Saturday – back home with the Blues offering him a double incentive.

The 29-year-old stated he wanted to wear the No.10 jersey when he ended a 21-month sabbatical from rugby with English club Saracens last December.

And the Blues are prepared to give him the chance to solve their outside-half dilemma.

More Here: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/06/02/blues-target-shock-gavin-henson-signing-91466-28805668/



I don't mind bringing him in, he will be under the watchful eye of the WRU. In my opinion, him staying in France is a disaster waiting to happen because we saw what happened at Toulon and it would happen again if he moves clubs. He needs to be in wales and needs to be under the guidance by the WRU and whichever region he, hypothetically, signs for.

Then again...this is the western mail we're talking about ;-)

gc - sorry had to merge your thread with another - hope you don't mind!

I agree that it's probably best for Henson to return to Wales, thing is though, will he really fit in with any of the regions? it's such a big risk for anyone to sign him now. He could be useful at the Blues though and they need another 10, and that's where he want to play.

Be interesting to see how this unfolds...

Got to keep a sense of perspective here folks...........this is Andy Howell's "exclusive" after all.

How many times has he run with this now, I've lost track?

However to answer sensibly, Henson, is a talent but a talent that is still waiting to happen. If the blues or any other region sign him, he will put bums........... but he does have too many other issues surrounding him for my liking.

Incidentally, never that good at 10 similar to Hook.

woops

All four regions are talking to Henson. Cuddy wants him back at the Ospreys, the dragons have said publicly their interested and llanelli need a replacement for king, hes not short of offers.
Personally i think cardiff will be right up his back passage