Gavin Henson chooses Wales over Toulon – Rugby news
The reason behind Gavin Henson’s vanishing act from club rugby, according to him, because he is giving time to his national squad. Henson said that he has given Wales preference over Toulon and will be not playing with the club over the summer. He doesn’t
want to give up on his hope for playing for Wales in the World Cup.
Gavin Henson has not appeared for his national side for the last two years, but it did not take much time for the celebrity rugby star to be back in shape and performing well. Last time he actually played as a first priority member for Wales was in a Six
Nations finale against Ireland.
Since his return, he is trying to settle into a club and get his career back on track, but so far he has been unable to really produce results. There are chances that Toulon might not be offering him anymore contract extensions. This development would mean
that he would be available for Warren Gatland and ready to get in the training camps for the upcoming World Cup. The camp has been set for this Saturday at the historical Millennium Stadium.
Now that he will be making a comeback, all eyes will be on the centre, as he plays against a Barbarians outfit. His opponents are back from a good victory against England XV and are in good form. The match will be a decider for Henson, as Gatland will be
keeping a close watch on his form.
Wales Rugby Union would definitely want him back, keeping financial aspects in mind. His presence will attract a good number of fans and will increase the decaying tickets sales for WRU. Gatland is hoping for a sparkling performance from him on his almost
dead midfield.
Gavin Henson was not able to make it to the 2003 and 2007 World Cup tournaments and this is the first time in his rugby career he is being provided with the opportunity to prove himself and make his place in Wales’s elite squad for World Cup 2011.
On the other hand, Tom Whitford, the Toulon’s team manager confirmed Henson’s status in the team. He said, “Gavin had an option on his contract but it will not be taken up. The major reason for this is that we have not qualified for the Heineken Cup and
so we will be operating on a tighter budget next season.”
He added, “Secondly, we do not know if Gavin will be involved with Wales in the World Cup, a time when we will need a player who can play at 10 or 12. There was no guarantee he would have been here.”
Whitford had his own reasons and so did Gatland, but what matters for Henson is his dream to play for Wales at World Cup and his future in this game as an influential midfielder.
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