Henson to strut his stuff with Baa-baas

LeinsterDub

Henson to strut his stuff with Baa-baas


Gavin Henson is set to make his rugby return after accepting an invitation to play for the Barbarians against South Africa at Twickenham in December.

The controversial Ospreys back has not played since March 2009 after suffering an ankle injury in an Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat against Gloucester and then opting to go on unpaid leave.
The 28-year-old, who is currently appearing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing programme, has been linked with moves to several Aviva Premiership clubs including Wasps, London Irish, Harlequins and Bath. All have denied having any discussions over a move for Henson.
He was also recently selected to model the new Wales kit in a marketing campaign, upsetting several members of the current national squad.
But he now appears ready to finally lace up a pair of boots again, having voiced his desire to play for his country at next year's World Cup in New Zealand, although the Barbarians will monitor the 31-cap three-quarter's fitness ahead of the Twickenham clash.
Barbarians' contracts manager Mike Burton said, "All the signs are that we are putting together a very strong squad worthy of such a prestigious occasion.
"Obviously our invitation to Gavin will attract a lot of attention. He has other commitments outside rugby and he is conscious of the need for match fitness in order to do himself and the club justice.
"We will be in regular contact with him and his home club, the Ospreys, in the next few weeks and, all being well, our big game at Twickenham will be the first opportunity to see him back on the representative stage."
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6403824,00.html

More silly season stuff?

thomond2006

Great marketing by the Baa Baas, the Henson return will garner big interest.

Not saying it's right mind.

[Jackass]

MODS:

I propose a Gavin Henson forum please.

bamboozle

[Jackass] wrote: »

MODS:

I propose a Gavin Henson forum please.

would it be a sub-forum in rugby or dancing or tv?

thomond2006

bamboozle wrote: »

would it be a sub-forum in rugby or dancing or tv?

Nah, The Cuckoo's Nest. :pac:

Crash

I'm heading over for this match (hey, was at the last Barbarians South Africa match in 2007 and that was a cracker, might as well give it another shot ) and am debating finding an Oompa Loompa hallowe'en costume, in his honour.

fitz

I reckon he can't possibly be properly conditioned in time for this. Calling it now...he'll go off injured after taking a huge hit.

Blut2

"Team-mates who saw him last month said he had lost more than three stone from his weight as a player, 14st 7lb, as he had not maintained his "bulking up" programme."

according to http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/jan/12/gavin-henson-ospreys-wales

If thats true he hasnt got a hope of reaching match fitness by December. If hes only getting back into serious training now (or in the past few weeks) he'll still be tiny by game time. I'll definately be curious to watch mind you.

LeinsterDub

Gavin Henson gets his priorities straight: 'I'll make my rugby comeback in December... unless I'm still on Strictly'




Last updated at 11:54 AM on 28th September 2010
There's no doubting Gavin Henson's priorities these days.
The rugby star, who is appearing in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, has pencilled in a return to the field in December.
But he will only play for the Barbarians invitational side at Twickenham if he is no longer competing for the BBC ballroom crown.
The 28-year-old pin-up, who is still getting over his split from Charlotte Church, clearly doesn't want any potential injury hampering his chances of success on the dance floor.



Strictly business: Gavin Henson and dance partner Katya Virshilas have a coffee break as they enjoyed time out from their gruelling rehearsal schedule

Henson's decision will no doubt wind up rugby fans who believe enhancing his celebrity profile is now more important than playing the sport.
His exciting arrival on to the world stage seemed to augur a golden age for Welsh rugby but he has now not played competitively since March 2009.
First he suffered an ankle injury and then opted to go on unpaid leave from his team, the Ospreys.




Since then he has appeared on a reality TV show featuring a trip to the Arctic Circle and split up acrimoniously with Miss Church, the mother of his two children.

Welsh fans - and several members of the national squad - were also infuriated by his selection to model the new Wales kit in a marketing campaign.


Just dance: Gavin Henson says he doesn't even dance drunk in clubs and is nervous of performing in front of millions with partner Katya Virshilas

But if things don't go according to plan with his partner Katya in front of Bruce Forsyth and Co., he could lace up his boots once more on December 4.
However, he confesses to Radio Times this week that he's not all that confident.
He said: ''I'm dreading embarrassing myself in front of millions. I like to think I am quite cool, but I might just ruin all that. I don't even dance in clubs unless I'm very drunk.'

After rehearsals earlier this month, Gavin said: 'Time is flying, this is the fourth session and I thought I would pick things up a lot quicker than I am.
'If the show was going on we would only get four sessions and I'd be a joke if the dance was tomorrow.'

But Lithuanian-born Katya insists she thinks the rugby player will be better on the dance floor than he thinks.


Supportive: Professional dancer Katya says she is beginning to get more confidence from Gavin after a shaky start

She said: 'I'm feeling really good. I'm starting to have more confidence in Gavin as well.

'I really think that Gavin has the potential to become quite a good dancer.'

The Barbarians are to play South Africa in a showpiece event in front of 80,000 fans.

Barbarians' contracts manager Mike Burton said: 'Obviously our invitation to Gavin will attract a lot of attention. He has other commitments outside rugby and he is conscious of the need for match fitness in order to do himself and the club justice.
'We will be in regular contact with him and his home club, the Ospreys, in the next few weeks and, all being well, our big game at Twickenham will be the first opportunity to see him back on the representative stage.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1315849/Gavin-Henson-gets-priorities-straight-Ill-make-rugby-comeback-December--unless-Im-Strictly.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Love this guy. Something new every day