Henson publicly apologises after being dropped by Dragons

Gavin Henson has been left out of Bernard Jackman’s side after a poor display against Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day at Rodney Parade.

Henson was incredibly out of sorts, having been bounced in tackles and left sitting on the floor by the Blues’ Owen Lane.

The 35-year-old was also guilty of shooting out of the Dragons defensive line, exposing his defence and allowing Rey Lee-Lo to cross the whitewash for a try.

The performance was a million miles from the fly-halfs performances earlier in the season.

Following a squad announcement for tomorrow nights fixture, one fan queried the reason for Henson’s omission from the matchday squad.

No @gavinhenson82 and no explanation…don't you hate that. Either injured, punished for not a great game v blues, rested? But not even on the bench against his former club…wierd!

— French Fusion (@ffholidays) December 30, 2017

Surprisingly upon Henson seeing the tweet, he actually replied and in his typical honest and forthright style.

“Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t physical enough in the contact area, especially after being bounced off so I’ve lost my place. It’s an area of my game that isn’t great at the moment so working hard on putting that right,” said Henson.

Yeah sorry, I wasn’t physical enough in the contact area especially being bounced off, so lost my place. But it’s an area of my game that isn’t great at the moment so working hard on putting that right. https://t.co/J0Bp39gLv4

— Gavin Lloyd-Henson (@gavinhenson82) December 30, 2017

In an age where players are actively discouraged from talking so candidly this public display of honesty and humility was greeted warmly on social media, with fans also optimistic about an imminent return to the squad.

And THAT is how you respond as a true sportsman ???

— sean jones (@seany180) December 30, 2017

Class is permanent

— HP1 (@Eli2707_) December 30, 2017

https://twitter.com/davies1513_andy/status/947081281350897665

https://twitter.com/JustinTime500/status/947071711530422274

From these comments alone we can clearly see how self critical Henson is and why coaching would be a natural fit for the Dragon.

Speaking on the prospect of a future coaching career last week Henson said, “it (coaching) might be something I’ll probably go down, I naturally do it with the players.”

“It’s in me to do, but I worry how much time it’ll take up, because I want to be good, and it’ll be a 24-hour job.”

Henson has also been given assurances by Dragons Coach Jackman that he fully intends to activate the second year of his contract with the Newport based side.

And Henson seems eager to take him up on his offer, “as a player, it’s not as much time. That’s why I’m trying to stay as a player, I think it’s easier,” said Henson.