Blues open the door for Henson

CARDIFF BLUES have confirmed the signing of Wales centre Gavin Henson on an eight-month contract.

The signing of the 29-year-old bolsters the Blues’ roster ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for the naming of Heineken Cup squads, and secures Henson’s return to Wales after playing for Saracens and Toulon last term in the wake of his departure from the Ospreys. Henson said: “I’ve been saying I wanted to play back in Wales and I’m glad of the opportunity that Cardiff Blues have given me. I just want to do everything I can to make them happy and enjoy my rugby. I’m glad I’ve signed here.”

Henson, who has 33 Wales caps to his name and toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005, left the Ospreys in October 2010, negotiating a release from his contract after going on an extended period of unpaid leave.