Toulon still waiting for Gavin Henson to be part of team
Injury fear might still lead to delay in Gavin Henson appearing in the starting line for the Toulon based RC Toulonnais.
Henson appearance on the Rugby Map was made during his performance during the Wales successful campaign for Grand Slam in Six Nations in 2005 and later in 2008.
Earlier he was released by English Club Saracens in early February to join Toulon. He joined the English Club after he was released by the Wales’s Ospreys. In Saracens colours, he appeared for four times and once was the part of the starting line-up.
At 29 and after fighting through different controversies Henson was called as cover up player for the French Club Toulon after they have lost the likes of Clement Marienval, Felipe Contepomi and Jonny Wilkinson through injuries and later being released for
his commitments for the Six Nations.
While his contract with Saracens was until May, him being displeased with his position at outside centre as he preferred to play at inside centre or fly half he preferred to join Toulon. His return to game for Saracens for after 20 months was part of the
plan to play at a position that would provide him with the opportunity to prove his game and fitness to again be part of the Wales National side and to represent the Wales in the next Grand Slam title.
Although his fitness has been checked by the National Side Coach Warren Gatland his on field performance is yet to be seen that could guarantee him back his position.
Toulon provided him the opportunity to play at his positions of liking however the Calf Strain injury has still hampered his plans to be part of the starting line-up for the club on next Friday as they take 3rd place holders Castres.
Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre was sceptical about the fitness of the Henson particularly keeping in view the fact that he has played on few occasions in last two years and hardly played anything in last two months due to Injury. His tenure with the Toulon
is for the current season with extension in the contract very unlikely to happen.
In current season only five regular games for the season was remaining and in lieu of his limited game practice his placed for the coming Friday game will be very difficult call for Saint-Andre.
Talking about his fitness he commented, “I was injured when I arrived and the recovery has taken far longer than expected.”
But at the same time he was hopeful that with some extensive training he’ll be the part of the Team for Friday.
While Saint-Andre was appreciative for Henson’s training effort and his communication with the team members he re-affirmed the need of the game practice and the need of spending time with the team to understand “system and everything” and practice the teams
systems and strategies.
The upcoming Friday might not provide Henson with his First game with Toulon however the pre game preparation and the urgency to be part of the squad would enable him to get into the shape and mentally get acquainted to the team norms to be the part of the
remaining four games in the season.
Performance in the remaining games will provide him with the opportunity to impress Gatland to become part of the Wales Team for the Rugby World Cup.
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