Gavin Henson breaks the ice with Saracens and moves to Toulon
A major development took place yesterday when Saracens officially announced their consent in moving the Welsh super star and icon Gavin Henson to Toulon. The process has been completed and the news was shared after everything was officially done. Reports
confirmed that Henson is all set to move to the Top 14 side for a temporary time period until this season’s end.
The 29 year old had penned a contract with Saracens until the ongoing campaign’s end that is October 2011. According to a statement given by club, “Gavin Henson has asked to be released from his contract with immediate effect. The club has agreed to his
request.”
He will be playing alongside Jonny Wilkinson just after 50 days of his return to his rugby career. So far the decision to play in English club hasn’t proved to be as productive as expected. The London based club Saracens signed Gavin Henson, when it was
most needed to him, so he can prove his abilities to England’s manager, who eventually will be looking out for players for his World Cup side. But after no material output between Henson and Saracens, both the entities decided to try an alternative and are
parting ways.
Henson was reported to be in France with Mourad Boudjellal, the president of Toulon and had lunch with him. Sources have informed that the contract is about to happen, originally for 6 months and then might be extended depending on the outcome.
After injury of Felipe Contepomi and absence of Wilkinson due to England duty, Toulon was looking for a mid fielder, which they found. Toulon are in last eight of Heineken Cup and have the right to sign a substitution for another injured back under the regulations.
Henson had a minor role to play for Saracens since his return to rugby after a long term self imposed break of 18 months. He had been busy in his commitments with a famous dance show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
On the other hand Saracens officials took this step as a positive gesture from Henson, in order to improve his game. Nigel Wray, the chairman of Saracens rugby said, “We wish Gavin all the best for the future as he continues his return to the highest level
of the game.”
Henson is currently suffering through a calf injury and voiced his objections regarding the Saracens game-play. Henson wasn’t given his desired position and was posted at one position down to that. Instead of his skilled position as fly half, he was given
inside center. Henson was disappointed then and said last month, “was hoping it would be in time for next month, but I am running out of time. I like to play inside centre, a playmaker role and get the ball in the hand a lot more.”
Henson found it very tough to play at the undesired position, but gave-in everything that was required. Talking about his disappointment he said, “I have hardly played, but I would like to think I will be good when I get my chance. I think that my skills
are there. I just need game time.”
After this deal is materialized, Gavin Henson will be following the steps of Wales and Ospreys team mates Lee Byrne and James Hook. Lee Byrne signed for Clermont Auvergne and James Hook signed for Perpignan, both French clubs.
Henson’s every move or statement is based on only one motivation, and that is his wish to join Wales’ World Cup squad for this year. He has set his goals and now shaping his way to that keeping his eyes on a close watch for every opportunity out there. His
options and room to prove his worth was inadequate. Henson has made only made four appearances for Saracens and decided eventually to go for alternative. He has played 31 caps for his national team and won all of them. Henson was expecting a better response
from Saracens and a bit more cooperation than this.
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