Gatland names Henson in 35-man training squad

GAVIN HENSON could be in line for a first RBS 6 Nations appearance since 2009 after being included in head coach Warren Gatland’s 35-man training squad.

The 29-year-old Cardiff Blues back has not featured for his country since dislocating a bone in his wrist in the pre-World Cup friendly victory over England, and has played just three games for his region since joining in October. Despite his lack of action, Henson is rated highly by the Wales coaching team and his ability to cover at fly-half, centre and full-back makes him a valuable commodity.

There were six uncapped players in the group, the most surprising selection was 18-year-old Blues winger Harry Robinson. The others were in-form Ospreys centre Ashley Beck and scrum-half Rhys Webb and the Scarlets trio of prop Rhodri Jones, lock Lou Reed and full-back Liam Williams. Gatland has also included France-based trio James Hook, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne as were Exeter prop Craig Mitchell, Saracens prop Rhys Gill and Sale back-rower Andy Powell.

Gatland has been robbed of his first-choice second-row pairing through injury with Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris missing out while Scarlets back-rowers Josh Turnbull and Rob McCusker are also ruled out along with Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns. There was no place for Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones. The 34-year-old has won a record 104 caps for his country but his latest non-selection following his omission from the squad to face Australia in December suggests his Test career may be over.