Gavin Henson may join Exiles
London Irish have indicated that they would like to bring the Welsh international Gavin Henson to the Madjedski Stadium. Henson has been looking for a move away from the Ospreys to a London club, but a
number of the Guinness Premiership sides have ruled out an approach for the disillusioned centre. Henson has been turned down by Saracens, Wasps and Harlequins.
The 28-year-old who has toured with the Lions has spent a year on unpaid leave from the Ospreys and wants to relocate to London to be near his children. Henson has been a controversial figure in Welsh
rugby and a number of Osprey fans will be glad to see him go.
However, London Irish may not be able to afford the Welsh man’s services. Toby Booth, the London Irish Director of Rugby has made it clear that he is interested in Henson, despite his wage demands and
Henson’s reputation. Many of the big clubs have been put off by Henson’s ego and believe that he is a high maintenance signing. Booth does not have the same reservations. “Someone's reputation doesn't really matter. The only question is - can you work with
them?"
Another issue surrounding the signing of Henson is the fact that he has not played competitively in over a year. The Welsh star may take some time adapting to the rigours of the Premier League. If Henson
does sign he would be an ideal recruit for the Exiles who are in need of a ball carrier in midfield. His speed and line running would add some much needed cutting edge to the London Irish team.
Booth indicated that there would be ways of securing a deal with Henson with a possibility of providing Henson with a lump sum towards the end of his contract.
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