Gavin Henson clips Ospreys wings
Ospreys have admitted that they have lost the battle to keep Welsh centre Gavin Henson at the club, after the player is set to sign a contract with English club side Saracens.
The 28-year-old trained with the Aviva Premiership side on Monday 25 October and the Ospreys are still considering taking legal action over the incident as they were unaware that Henson was training with the club.
However, the Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy admitted that the Welsh side would “reluctantly” let Henson leave the club.
"It is necessary that we make the decision that we have in order to allow everyone to move forward. I am disappointed and frustrated, both personally for myself and for the Ospreys, as one thing we would all want to see is Gavin Henson back in an Ospreys
shirt," said Cuddy.
Henson is currently working with the BBC and taking part in the television show Strictly Come Dancing. He has not played for the Ospreys in 18 months and was on an unpaid extended leave of absence.
However, in recent months Henson has suggested that he would like to return to rugby and play for a London based club in order to be near to his family.
The British and Irish Lion is also keen to return to the Welsh team for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
The Ospreys managing director stated that he hoped Henson would return to the Wales team, but that the centre would have had a better chance had he stayed with the club.
However, Cuddy admitted that with Henson unwilling to stay, it was best for all parties that a deal be concluded.
“As frustrating as it is for everyone involved at the Ospreys, on this occasion we have to concede that he will not play for us during the remaining time on his contract, and as such, take the responsible course of action that is best for all concerned."
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