Rugby Update: Gavin Henson Back to Basics
At last giving up his showbiz career and getting out of all the glamour and glitter Gavin Henson is ready to get back to rugby. He decided to stick to what actually gave him fame; rugby. Henson gave up on his T.V career; he had made it to semi-finals of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. He was also a part of a famous reality T.V series 71 Degrees North. Last time he played was almost two years ago.
The Welshman will be returning to his real world on Boxing Day for his new club Saracens in Rugby boots not in dancing shoes. Henson considers those two programmes as a good addition to his life and experiences but he wants the fans to take him seriously as a Rugby player. That has always been his dream that he forgot. “The first six months I didn't miss it at all. I never thought I'd play again. But now he regrets and is back in action to prove his skills again.”
“I got those feelings back as I started missing it, and started dreaming about playing again. I hadn't done any training but I did 71 Degrees North, which got me back into shape.” said Henson.
Henson is now signed with Saracens for this season and will be playing regularly. He would go back to Wales though to see his children. Ruby and Dexter his only two kids live with his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Church in Cardiff. With time, Henson seems to be more of a family guy now and seems deeply attached to his kids. He added, "I don't know how things are going to turn out with Saracens. If I do enjoy it then I will stay but my kids are in Wales. They will be going to school in a couple of years and that is on my mind." He broke up with his Charlotte in 2009 just to take his chances and see if things improve.
Assuming his return proves he is back in love with Rugby. With two Six Nation Slams with Wales in 2005 and 2008, he wants relive the memories. He will start as a fly-half and an outside centre too if needed. After a light training session and photo shoot at Wembley, Henson talked about his return, “I'm really excited about it. I've no idea where I'm at but I'm feeling pretty good. The skill levels are not too bad in training; it's going to be fun.”
He hopes to perform well. He only had one or two days training with Saracens per week because the dancing just continued until the end. “I've not had much contact work but it should be all right. I should be able to wing it some way hopefully," he added.
One thing is for sure, Henson’s presence at the match will attract a record crowd but a huge question of that night would be, is the crowd looking upon a Rugby star or a TV celebrity. Henson has done his part in bringing back his image; he is trying to to cover all the distance that he has missed in the past and to make an impact on the crowd. By the look of it he seems to be in it for a long run now and he has to speed up as soon as possible if he wants to get in the six nations squad.
His last game was against Ospreys in March, 2009. And while he is being celebrated as a TV icon, he is frantic to be taken seriously. “That’s the goal now,” he said. “I want to get back to the top of the game, play really well and win honours in Rugby again. I feel fresh mentally and physically. I am hopingthat will give me an edge and the adrenaline side of stuff when I do start playing will get me through.”
He is ready to take the challenge and face all the obstacles that might appear on the way.
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