Henson hints at Ospreys return

Gavin Henson appears to be favouring a return to the Ospreys next season. [more]

Henson hints at Ospreys return

Gavin Henson appears to be favouring a return to the Ospreys next season.

The 29-year-old left the Swansea-based region in acrimonious circumstances in late October 2010 after he decided to end his 18-month sabbatical by moving to English outfit Saracens.

But now Henson could be on his way back to the Liberty Stadium after he stated that the Ospreys would be his first port of call when looking for a new club next season.

"I have always said I hope the Ospreys would have me back," said Henson, who iscurrently without a club having failed to agree a new deal with Toulon whom he joined after just four games for Saracens.

"I haven't spoken to them yet, but they will be the first people I will speak to."

Henson is refusing to be drawn on other possible options for next term, despite Newport Gwent Dragons and a number of English and French clubs being linked with the star centre.

Instead the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam winner is fully focussed on securing a place in the Wales squad for next month’s World Cup.

Henson made his first international appearance for more than two years when Wales lost to the Barbarians in early June but he is still waiting for his second having missed out on selection for last weekend’s narrow defeat to England.

Saturday’s return fixture with Martin Johnson’s men, plus the following week’s clash with Argentina, should offer Henson the chance to press his World Cup claims but the former golden boy of Welsh rugby knows he still has it all to do if he is to jump ahead of Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies and newcomer Scott Williams in the pecking order for selection.

"I just want to concentrate on Wales at the moment and try to get in that World Cup squad," added Henson.

"There is huge competition for places, and I just hope I get a chance in one of these games. There are definitely three centres there at the moment, so I need to do something pretty special if I get the chance.

"At the moment, I think the other three centres are probably ahead of me, which is fair enough. I will have to try to turn the tables and try to show something a bit different from what those three can offer.

"It is about taking your chance and trying to get involved in this World Cup. I've never been to one, so it's huge for me. It would probably be one of the biggest achievements of my rugby career if I manage to do it. I missed out on the last two, and that still hurts.

"I've had quite a bit of time out – I haven't managed to have too many games under my belt – but the body is feeling good.

"I really have missed it, being involved with Wales. It has been awesome, the fitness training has been tough but we have all got through it and I hope it pays dividends. I am raring to go."

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