Henson: it’s strictly rugby from now on

GAVIN HENSON did a few steps and kicks and sported his ‘‘Strictly Come Dancing’ perma-tan on the hallowed turn of Wembley yesterday afternoon but then he insisted he was back in rugby for good.

Henson will run out at football HQ for his first rugby match in 21 months for Saracens against Wasps in the Aviva Premiership on Sunday and he believes he can now play for another eight years.

And after a dancing adventure which saw him reach the semi-finals of the BBC’s hit show, the 28-year-old sees his next journey taking him to the World Cup in New Zealand with Wales next October.

After a light training-cum-photo session at Wembley, Henson said of his comeback: “I’m really excited about it. I’ve no idea where I’m at but I’m feeling pretty good. The skill levels are not too bad in training, it’s going to be fun. I just hope I perform pretty well.

“I’ve only had one or two days training with Saracens per week because the dancing just continued until the end. I’ve not had much contact work but it should be all right. I should be able to wing it some way hopefully.”

Henson’s presence should ensure Saracens attract a record crowd of around 50,000 for their sixth game at Wembley.

But the big question is: Will the crowd be watching an over-hyped celebrity or a rugby star who has done the hard yards in training to make an impact at the highest level?

Henson, who won two Six Nations Grand Slams with Wales in 2005 and 2008, including landing the match-winning points and the man-of-the-match award with a successful 48-metre penalty kick against England in 2005, has no doubts. He has already set his sights on playing for Wales again by the time the Six Nations starts in February when he will have turned 29.

“I try not to let negative thoughts in my head,” he said. “In my mind I am playing unbelievable but it is a different thing in reality. I am back in rugby for good now and hopefully I can play for another eight years.

“I would love to get up to speed as soon as possible because I would love to get in the Six Nations squad and in that World Cup.”

Henson played his last game for the Ospreys in March 2009 and since then has been treading the reality TV show beat in ‘71 Degrees North’ as well as ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’ For six months following his ‘retirement’ he believed he would not play rugby again. He fled Wales following his split from singer Charlotte Church.