Gavin Henson seeks a fresh start
Gavin Henson has said he's looking for a fresh start to his rugby career away from Ospreys.
Henson is an Ospreys player until next spring. However, the centre has not played since March of last year and is currently on unpaid leave from the Magners League club.
The Wales international has admitted that he's been going through a traumatic spell in his private life. This has seen him leave his wife and move away from his young children. He's been in a tumultous
relationship with singer Charlotte Church for year, and has often stirred up controversy with his rowdy behaviour and off-colour comments in the press.
Henson said: "I opened my heart to them really [Ospreys], told them what had gone on, I told them for compassionate
reasons, for my mental state of mind, I need to go somewhere else. I just felt a bit embarrassed to go back into the changing room with the boys, the Ospreys, they
know me so well, they would be asking me personal questions."
A new start could have a number of positive effects on his game. He's thought to favour a move to London, which will be difficult because reports that link him with a move to Wasps or Harlequins have been
rubbished by the clubs.
Positive effects
Joining a new club would allow Henson to come back into rugby without any background or baggage at a club. He will not know anyone at a new team and this means close friends won't ask him difficult questions
about his life.
A move to England would allow Henson to play rugby in the Premiership. The Premiership is slightly higher in quality than the Magners League and this will enhance Henson's chances of getting back into
the Wales team.
If Henson can secure a move over the next few weeks then there is a good chance he could play at the World Cup next summer. The Premiership has only just started and there are a lot of games to be played
before next summer.
A move to London
A move to London will be difficult for Henson to secure. Wasps and Harlequins statements have said that neither club is interested in the player. This leaves the possibility
of London Irish, who plays in Reading, but there have been no reports linking Henson with a possible move to this club.
A move down to the South East would be positive for Henson because he could have his fresh start and he will not sacrifice anything in support and facilities.
He added: "I look at the Ospreys and there are about 10 centres and
we are all as good as each other so personally I don't think they are going to miss me.
I just want to play for Wales: I want to play in the Six Nations, I really believe I can play in this year's Six Nations, and the World Cup.
To me it's not about money or anything."
Betting advice
Henson is a very attacking a productive centre. He has the ability to score tries at all levels of the game. This makes him the ideal person to back to score in a match.
However, he first has to find a club that will take the gamble of signing him and be willing to meet the high wage demands he'll make. This should happen once the player's
commitments with a BBC TV show have ended.
Don't bet on Henson in a Wales context because there is no guarantee the player will get back into the Wales team. He first has to work hard at a new club side. It will
be difficult for him to make the Six Nations but the World Cup next summer is a strong possibility.
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