Former Welsh skipper Michael Owen criticises Gavin Henson in Wales’ national side - Rugby Update
Former Welsh skipper Michael Owen has criticised Gavin Henson’s inclusion in Wales’ national side and declared it embarrassing.
The skipper straightforwardly said that Henson’s inclusion was merely the result of his past performance and there was nothing to select him for his recent form. Welsh centre had played his last international match against Ireland in 2009.
After a long absence the Toulon centre has been included in the side to play against the Barbarians on June 4. The 29-year-old Henson will be in action for his side after almost two and half years.
Owen, the former skipper of Wales responded harshly towards his inclusion and said that, “Warren Gatland and the coaches at Wales obviously rate Gavin very highly as a player. He's done some fantastic things throughout his career. But for me it sends the
wrong message to the players in Wales who are striving, day in day out, week in week out, to try and get better and try and perform to get the opportunity to play for their country.”
Owen stated that despite Gavin’s inclusion, some youngster would have been included in the side so that they can prepare future players. To rely again on old players really gives a bad message. Furthermore he went on to comment that Henson has been obliged
by including him in the national side as his current form was not good.
Michael, the 41 test caps winner did not stop outraging at Henson’s inclusion and said, "For people looking in on Welsh rugby I think it's slightly embarrassing because we're fawning over a player who, at the moment, doesn't merit that sort of treatment."
Gavin had preferred overseas rugby in the past and adopted a self-imposed exile to play for Ospreys for 18 months. Recently he was banned for one week by his club Toulon for having a fight with one of his team-mates.
The Wales’ coach Gatland admitted that Henson’s inclusion was a big risk but there no other option despite his inclusion.
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