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Only just released by Dragons, Henson set to get boots back on for worthy cause

By Online Editors

14 May 2019

Gavin Henson is set to play in a July testimonial match in Neath (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

Less than fortnight after his end-of-season release by Dragons appeared to signal the end of his playing career, Gavin Henson has quickly agreed to get back out on the pitch again.

The 37-year-old, who spent his last two seasons at Rodney Parade, will take part in the July 27 Paul James’ testimonial match at The Gnoll in Neath.

James’ testimonial committee has confirmed that the former Wales international will tog out for a Select XV versus a Classic Lions selection in a contest that will see numerous former Ospreys and Wales team-mates of James get back together.

Henson will line up on the Select XV alongside Shane Williams and Andy Powell, with Dafydd James lining up for the Classic Lions.

According to walesonline.com, Henson’s last outing for the Ospreys at The Gnoll saw him score 24 points when a team coached by Lyn Jones wrapped up the Celtic League title with victory over Edinburgh in 2005.

https://twitter.com/Ten21Testimoni1/status/1127127715742670848

Henson, who was a club team-mate of James until 2009, first teamed up with him a few years earlier, the pair featuring in the Ospreys’ first ever competitive match against Ulster in September 2003. The former talisman appeared off the bench to record two tries in a 15-point haul.

Having been released by Dragons, Henson is hoping to have his new business venture up and running in time for the Rugby World Cup. He is set to become landlord of the Fox and Hounds pub in St Brides Major and has had builders in doing a refurbishment.

Gavin Henson is becoming the landlord of this beautiful Welsh pub in a big career change https://t.co/3vA9U0eb4t
— WalesOnline ??????? (@WalesOnline) May 5, 2019

James is supporting the Mind Charity as part of his testimonial activities as mental health is something that is of great importance to him.

Although there has been an increase in media exposure of the topic of late, he still feels that the level of public support and understanding of mental health has a long way to go.

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They can campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Icefarrow 33 minutes ago

2024 in review: Beauden Barrett’s brilliance sparks thrilling All Blacks win

Yeah, Perofeta's injury opened the door for Love to debut. Love's injury in NPC ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup matches, but Robertson saw potential in him, so he kept him around for the EOYT. However, Perofeta's recovery meant he could return, hence Love being played on the Wing.

Robertson's attitude was just pissing me off near the end of the year, with how he'd go around complimenting the new guys as if he'd always seen potential in them, despite only giving them a chance due to injuries.

4 Go to comments

SO 1 hour ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

I would remove J Barrett from that list ofbacks with outstanding seasons

12 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I really enjoyed a couple of new locations this year. I think both stadiums crowds were pumping!?!

I said it to NB, but wasn't thinking of 3 match tours when I did (just the RC home/away games), and it would be even better to have a 5 week tour during the 6N right? Play a couple of warm ups against a SAmerican team and Jaguares, then 3 tests in a row?

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

What age do the kids come out of Varsity Cup, both the most talented and others that have to go all the way through?

They've tried it but I don't think their version of Currie Cup was ever able to sustain itself (if the CC does).

So you're not longer a primary Currie Cup fan? Can I ask when that changed?

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

In 2021, Daily Maverick crunched the numbers and found that upwards of 500 South Africans were playing professional rugby for foreign clubs around the world.

197 Go to comments

Cantab 1 hour ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

It will happen. Watch for Hotham to become understudy to Roigard for instance. As the formerly tried & true depart there are always up & comers ready to fill the gap.

12 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He said "if" Graham

if they had Japan type interest and Money

Its a lack of ability by SARU thats the problem. SA has plenty of wealth to be able to support it.

I think by wealth he meant rugby wise, at least that's how I read it, as he's clearly saying SA can't do it.

At least not on a big stage, it's relatively accessable to do things like inter varisty competitions, and your guys just took out a competition in Dubai? NZ does stuff like that but I don't get an excitement that their activities can ever amount to much. I'm sure theres a much different feeling of excitement within SA.

In saying that, that sort of thing is actually how they could make money too. But can they dictate things for themselves by forming an African league? That would require some wealthy individuals for sure. Personally I think they should be happy just being a part of someone else idea, or a mutual one, as it will still take the game there to the next level. You just won't get rich by doing it.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Again, what's your point?

If it's anything to do with the discussion going on, I'll just say it's not going to happen in the future, as the Tuipulotu's aren't going to have grandparents from another country.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Any your point is?

No one's begrudging them that. JWH just said it's not a great look for the game, and it isn't.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

That's a bit of a naive statement Nick. Have a read of this article School boy contracting

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Whatya mean?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He included NZ in his point. They won't profit from it because it's now a 5 year residency requirement.

Are you arguing for that to return Nick? I think it would actually be great if kiwis could play for heritage countries like that and still remain eligible for the ABs. I don't think NZR arguing for that change is likely to happen, so it has to come from another means. The new Chairman?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

When was the last time SA won a series in NZ (actually I was thinking about NZ in SA), or the RC? Was that the point you were trying to make?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Well said, the immediate situation is well in hand as all it would take is a little rigging. The real discussion is what happens after that, but I guess people just want to gossip about the short term.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Do you know how it's shared? Split over each URC team? Well said. The new club owners could spice things up right?