British and Irish Lions

Henson signed a new three-year with the Ospreys earlier this week and Williams, while "gutted" the 26-year-old did not join him at Blues, is ecstatic that one of Wales biggest talents has stayed in the country.

He told the Western Mail: "Gavin is the best No 12 in the world and I'm just gutted we did not sign him.

"He was fantastic for us during this year's Six Nations, taking his game on to a new level. He's so strong and powerful and I think the style of play we used, with Gavin taking the ball up the middle more, suited him."

He added: "The more players that remain in Wales the better. A lot of the players go away for a change."

Henson joined fellow Grand Slam winners Shane Williams, Jonathan Thomas and Lee Byrne in committing his future to the Ospreys, while former New Zealand back-row forward Filo Tiatia and Wales international Paul James also signed.

"It's great for the game in Wales that these players are remaining with our regions. It can only be good for the game here," said Williams.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.

Check out the video from the day the HSBC Cubs met The British & Irish Lions at the Vale of Glamorgan in a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.