Thursday, September 17, 2009
The mystery that is Gavin Henson - Will he return?
One of the most naturally gifted rugby players around, Henson has at times showed that he's had the potential to be a great. It never seemed to last long though unfortunately, as injury seemed to continually strike him down.
He made his international debut for Wales at the age of just 19. He later played for the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand, and has been a stalwart of the Ospreys. He's won two Grand Slams with Wales, but unfortunately has never appeared in a World Cup.
A bit of a tabloid favourite, many feel that his off-field relationship, with a high profile and extremely wealthy singer, has hampered his hunger and desire as a player.
Recently it was announced that Henson wants to retire from rugby completely. It turned out to be a bit of a rumour, with the man himself saying that he was unsure what he wants. Welsh coach Warren Gatland says it would be a tragedy if Henson quits the game right now.
"It would be tragedy if we lose someone of his ability to the game, from a regional and international point of view," Gatland said.
"But I dont want to treat Gavin in a special way, I dont want to treat him any differently to anyone else. It is up to him to get himself right, back to the Ospreys training and playing and getting himself right for Wales."
"Gavin is such an obvious and rare talent that we would hate in five years time to be talking about him as a player who never fulfilled his potential.
"I am conscious of not stepping on the Ospreys toes. If I did speak to him it would be only proper that I spoke to the Ospreys first. But I will give it a few weeks first to see if there is any hope of him coming back.
"I have always said he is a fantastic player and that when fit and right he is one of the best in the world in his position. But it is up to him now," Gatland concluded.
So what is the deal with Gavin Henson? Will we see him again? We sure hope so.
:: Related Posts ::
The dirty stuff from Cardiff
Gavin Henson knocks down Shane Horgan
Gavin Henson tackle on 18 year old Matthew Tait
Time:
0
4:25
The dirty stuff from Cardiff
Gavin Henson knocks down Shane Horgan
Gavin Henson tackle on 18 year old Matthew Tait
Posted at 11:52 am | 53 comments
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Viewing 53 comments
Anonymous September 17, 2009 11:24 am
extraordinary player, anyone who says otherwise doesn't have a clue what they're talking about
Kerivoula September 17, 2009 11:43 am
I'm with clueless. He's a decent player, but not more than that and he's such a self-centred, precious, humourless idiot, that even his team-mates hate him. Not a team player.
Tan not man.
Tan not man.
FrankyH September 17, 2009 11:48 am
I personally think that anyone who doesnt know how to use a name when posting a comment doesnt know what they're talking about.
But there's no doubt that Henson is hugely talented. It's just really frustrating, even as a neutral, to see him not use the potential that he's been blessed with.
I worry that Danny Cipriani might be heading down a similar path actually. It's early days yet, but he's also finding himself being photographed bare chested on the beach with a girl by his side.
Stay focussed guys.. but then again.. Kelly Brook. Yum.
But there's no doubt that Henson is hugely talented. It's just really frustrating, even as a neutral, to see him not use the potential that he's been blessed with.
I worry that Danny Cipriani might be heading down a similar path actually. It's early days yet, but he's also finding himself being photographed bare chested on the beach with a girl by his side.
Stay focussed guys.. but then again.. Kelly Brook. Yum.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 12:14 pm
What makes you think Gaven Henson didn't achieve his potential? He got injured a lot? so? Not my fault his little body couldn't handle a contact sport.
FrankyH September 17, 2009 12:21 pm
^ strange comment.. not quite sure by what you mean in the second part. but anyway, he didnt achieve his potential because he's never been a consistently brilliant player who could make an impact time and time again. To be a great you have to actually play.. it cant sporadic moments of class.
I dont know how any welshman could be satisfied with Hensons career on a whole, therefore, he didnt' achieve the potential he has. The fact that he's so young still and might not play again says enough about that.
I dont know how any welshman could be satisfied with Hensons career on a whole, therefore, he didnt' achieve the potential he has. The fact that he's so young still and might not play again says enough about that.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 12:21 pm
Gavin Henson, along with Leigh Halfpenney, is the most overrated player ever. He has no pace, no particularly good skills and isn't a very intelligent player either.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 12:32 pm
Sorry but this guy is without a doubt the most overrated player in the history of the sport,hes a good player but hes been blown out of proportion due to a tackle on an 18 year old playin his first game of international rugby,and a massive kick he made in the same game against a dying england team,thats fact,when you talk about the great centres of this era you talk about o'driscoll, mortlock,jazioun,de villers and umaga, men who have massive ability and control.To be honest if you believe this guy was as good as any of these players you have alot to learn about the game of rugby(or your just a die-hard welsh fan which is fair enough)
Ally September 17, 2009 12:48 pm
Have to agree with the comments of over-rating.
He may have had large amounts of potential, but rarely fulfilled it in my opinion.
I personally feel he has been media-hyped out of all proportion. As some say, many other better centres who do not get half the media coverage he does (I am not Welsh but Shanklin for me has been a much greater servant to Welsh rugby (and rugby in general) in my opinion).
ps Charlotte Church is not even remotely in the same looks league as Kelly Brook.
He may have had large amounts of potential, but rarely fulfilled it in my opinion.
I personally feel he has been media-hyped out of all proportion. As some say, many other better centres who do not get half the media coverage he does (I am not Welsh but Shanklin for me has been a much greater servant to Welsh rugby (and rugby in general) in my opinion).
ps Charlotte Church is not even remotely in the same looks league as Kelly Brook.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 12:59 pm
Intelligent player, always seems to have more time on the ball than he does. Some of his passing is sublime. Huge and accurate boot too.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 1:02 pm
He tries and that's the main thing. One would have to compare him to South African's Adrian Jacobs.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 1:41 pm
Put it this way, Ricky Januarie deserves more credit than this guy.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 1:49 pm
no one can deny that gavin henson is a huge talent, overrated or not, and thats the bottomline.
unfortunately, he never did achieve his full potential, and i really hope we get to see him do so some time in the future.
unfortunately, he never did achieve his full potential, and i really hope we get to see him do so some time in the future.
ConnachtFan September 17, 2009 1:57 pm
Henson spends far too much time inside church. Baboom!
Andy September 17, 2009 2:14 pm
I'm not Welsh but i certainly noticed he could have been up there with the best centres of our generation and he definitely didn't reach his potential. Thank god.
The tackle on Tait had nothing to do with it, I could have made that tackle. It was what he did with the ball when he hd, it, the passes the extra time he had etc. Not the end of the world as they seem to have a good player in Roberts.
The tackle on Tait had nothing to do with it, I could have made that tackle. It was what he did with the ball when he hd, it, the passes the extra time he had etc. Not the end of the world as they seem to have a good player in Roberts.
Philly September 17, 2009 2:59 pm
I heard that he's gone to help his dad work on a top-secret Muppets project.
hooch September 17, 2009 3:19 pm
I bet he just left because he wanted someone to make a highlight reel of his career.
ScottishFlanker September 17, 2009 3:31 pm
Hmm. Its a tough one, obviously a decent player to have done all the things listed in the blurb above the video, but obviously overrated, he seemed to do a few things every now n again that would make everyone think wow, i.e. the tackle and the kick, but most of the time he always looked fairly average, especially under pressure. Too much media attention surrounded him, and he was too much of a d*ck when he was on TV for anyone but welsh fans too like him anyway. Anyone who isnt sure whether they want to play pro rugby shouldnt be allowed to play rugby!
Jim September 17, 2009 3:35 pm
he dosent have any talent??..do you mean apart from the massive tackles..sold defence..giant boot..50+m penalty kicks..hand-offs and pace
As a welsh fan i cant tell you ho wmuch more solid are team looks when he plays..say hes overrated at your peril..its definatley jealousy of a great talent with 2 grand slams a lions tour and 50 welsh caps
As a welsh fan i cant tell you ho wmuch more solid are team looks when he plays..say hes overrated at your peril..its definatley jealousy of a great talent with 2 grand slams a lions tour and 50 welsh caps
Anonymous September 17, 2009 3:46 pm
I hope he comes back and develops a partnership with Roberts. Roberts and Shanklin are too 1-dimensional. Roberts does not have a good distributing game or kicking game. His defensive positioning isn't great either. On the other hand, he is only 22, so all of that can improve.
Inside Shoulder September 17, 2009 3:46 pm
LOL at Hooch. Henson is a good player but almost as pretensious as the video.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 4:39 pm
Potential is just a word. Gavin is a muppet.
Abbyno7 September 17, 2009 5:44 pm
The simple fact is that he is a hugely talented player. He might not have the dancing feet of a Gerald Davies or a Shane Williams but he has a lot of skills. His passing game, the ability to straighten the line. A huge and very good boot on him. He's also very strong. Six foot and about 15 stone.
But i will say that he hasn't lived up to the potential that he has. Of course 50 caps, 2 grand slams and a Lions tour are not to be sniffed at but you always get the feeling that he was only at his best for about two years when he should be hitting his peak now.
He's a bit like Flintoff in that he has achieved a lot in the game but not as much as he should have when you look at what he had in his locker.
But i will say that he hasn't lived up to the potential that he has. Of course 50 caps, 2 grand slams and a Lions tour are not to be sniffed at but you always get the feeling that he was only at his best for about two years when he should be hitting his peak now.
He's a bit like Flintoff in that he has achieved a lot in the game but not as much as he should have when you look at what he had in his locker.
matt September 17, 2009 7:08 pm
Iv gotta say, when he's on camera he doesent exactly seem comfortable in front of it?
and He's regularly out with his team mates:S his media attention has died down, through himself not attracting it! He is hell of a player and will hopefully come back.
And you cant help injuries:S thats just the way the game is.
And also he couldent handle contact sport? lmao the guys huge.
and He's regularly out with his team mates:S his media attention has died down, through himself not attracting it! He is hell of a player and will hopefully come back.
And you cant help injuries:S thats just the way the game is.
And also he couldent handle contact sport? lmao the guys huge.
creggs08 September 17, 2009 8:30 pm
why would you want Gavin Henson when you have Jamie Roberts??
enough said!!
enough said!!
Anonymous September 17, 2009 8:55 pm
He makes Dan Luger look injury free by comparison
David September 17, 2009 9:37 pm
It's been said, but he IS a very talented player, not in the traditional welsh sense, i,e guys with great feet or legengs like Barry John, Gerald Davies, JPR. Even though he comes off as a bit of a dick and hasn't fulfilled his potential, to deny it is kind of stupid if you've seen Henson play on a good day.
He has a massive boot, great hands, good defense and he always looks to have time. I hope he comes back one day, not dissing Shanks or Roberts but he definitely adds that extra dimension.
He has a massive boot, great hands, good defense and he always looks to have time. I hope he comes back one day, not dissing Shanks or Roberts but he definitely adds that extra dimension.
David September 17, 2009 9:37 pm
It's been said, but he IS a very talented player, not in the traditional welsh sense, i,e guys with great feet or legengs like Barry John, Gerald Davies, JPR. Even though he comes off as a bit of a dick and hasn't fulfilled his potential, to deny it is kind of stupid if you've seen Henson play on a good day.
He has a massive boot, great hands, good defense and he always looks to have time. I hope he comes back one day, not dissing Shanks or Roberts but he definitely adds that extra dimension.
He has a massive boot, great hands, good defense and he always looks to have time. I hope he comes back one day, not dissing Shanks or Roberts but he definitely adds that extra dimension.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 10:11 pm
I can't stand these NH players. The only people rating them are their fans. Get lost, no one is better than the Springboks.
Anonymous September 17, 2009 11:17 pm
' Anonymous said...
I can't stand these NH players. The only people rating them are their fans. Get lost, no one is better than the Springboks.'
Henson could buy the Springboks if he wanted.
I can't stand these NH players. The only people rating them are their fans. Get lost, no one is better than the Springboks.'
Henson could buy the Springboks if he wanted.
jamestheconvict September 18, 2009 12:15 am
ha ha ha ha - he could buy the springboks - so funny
The Ricol September 18, 2009 12:57 am
Hate the fact that people think that the only thing Henson did was that amazing tackle on tait.
I think people are forgetting that on that same match against england he also knocked a penalty from midfield winning the game,
and he also smashed some powerful players such as julian White and Josh Lewsey. And he did so on several matches with players such as Tana Umaga, Hugo Southwell and many more.
In my opinion he could have been one of the best centers in his time, and i think he still can.
Lets forget all that bullshit about what went on with him outside the pitch, the man produced some great stuff, outside that famous grand slam
If not, he wouldnt be Gavin Henson.
I think people are forgetting that on that same match against england he also knocked a penalty from midfield winning the game,
and he also smashed some powerful players such as julian White and Josh Lewsey. And he did so on several matches with players such as Tana Umaga, Hugo Southwell and many more.
In my opinion he could have been one of the best centers in his time, and i think he still can.
Lets forget all that bullshit about what went on with him outside the pitch, the man produced some great stuff, outside that famous grand slam
If not, he wouldnt be Gavin Henson.
Anonymous September 18, 2009 1:27 am
'jamestheconvict said...
he is not that good'
Not quite as bad as the Wallabies though hey?
he is not that good'
Not quite as bad as the Wallabies though hey?
jamestheconvict September 18, 2009 3:04 am
mad come back "anonymous"
anyway - he is good but not a legend
anyway - he is good but not a legend
goose September 18, 2009 3:18 am
"Anonymous said...
who cares????"
Best comment on here so far. There'll always be someone to fill his boots if he's not looking to play. That doesn't mean he's overrated, or that he's not good, or anything. All it means is if he's not up for it, someone else surely is.
who cares????"
Best comment on here so far. There'll always be someone to fill his boots if he's not looking to play. That doesn't mean he's overrated, or that he's not good, or anything. All it means is if he's not up for it, someone else surely is.
Bill September 18, 2009 5:14 am
Henson is rubbish and by the way there anonymous, he is not even good enough to polish the boots of the wallabies players, particularly their inside centres. Berick Barnes and Matt Gitaeu or Gavin Henson, yeah that's a heaps hard choice.
Wales also, is not nearly as good as the wallabies, as evidenced by there poor world ranking, inability to compete at world cups and veneration of the odd test win at home as though that made a quality team.
In regards to Henson, he made the odd good tackle, the odd good pass, and was a good stepper at club level and occaisonally against 6-nations teams.
Against the best int he world he completely disapeared, did nothing at all, and on the Lions tour he was atrocious, got used as a speed bump on several occasions and created virtually nothing on attack.
Furthermore, this montage is as pretensious and gay as they come, while watching it I actually threw up in my mouth a little bit.
Roberts on the other hand, is a very good crash ball inside centre, with a decent offload and solid defence.
Reminds me a bit of Daniel Herbert at his best.
Wales also, is not nearly as good as the wallabies, as evidenced by there poor world ranking, inability to compete at world cups and veneration of the odd test win at home as though that made a quality team.
In regards to Henson, he made the odd good tackle, the odd good pass, and was a good stepper at club level and occaisonally against 6-nations teams.
Against the best int he world he completely disapeared, did nothing at all, and on the Lions tour he was atrocious, got used as a speed bump on several occasions and created virtually nothing on attack.
Furthermore, this montage is as pretensious and gay as they come, while watching it I actually threw up in my mouth a little bit.
Roberts on the other hand, is a very good crash ball inside centre, with a decent offload and solid defence.
Reminds me a bit of Daniel Herbert at his best.
Anonymous September 18, 2009 7:17 am
The fact is he could of fulfilled his potential, but he didnt, end of story,theres no comeback on that,he was massively hyped up by the welsh and to be honest his hands and defence were average,he couldnt handle pressure at all.THE GUY WILL NEVER BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT PLAYER BY ANYONE WITH A BRAIN OUTSIDE OF WALES
John hayes-man-playe September 18, 2009 8:44 am
Bill you are a complete idiot.
'inability to compete at world cups' i guess that maeans NZ aren't very good?
'inability to compete at world cups' i guess that maeans NZ aren't very good?
Anonymous September 18, 2009 9:19 am
He was a good player alright but i thinking some henson fans are getting carried away.Hes nowhere near enough to be in the league of someone like a consistent performer like jean de villiers.
Little Chief September 18, 2009 9:23 am
if you see he play.. he play like conrad smith a.k.a snake.. make a break only when it is necessary to do.. he doesn't have the pace to run all the defender but he has the ability when to step.. when to beat defender using his power.. and his pass is near awesome.. not as good as stephen larkham..
Bill September 18, 2009 10:14 am
Jon-Hayes-Overrated-Player, I can't remember NZ ever losing to Fiji, failing to make it out of their pool and never getting to a WC Final.
WelshOsprey September 18, 2009 10:32 am
I'd have henson on form over jamie roberts any day.
cp85 September 18, 2009 1:19 pm
prolific, enigma... arrogant tit
Decent player, remembered for tackle on tait, meh.
'Put it this way, Ricky Januarie deserves more credit than this guy.'
Agreed.
Decent player, remembered for tackle on tait, meh.
'Put it this way, Ricky Januarie deserves more credit than this guy.'
Agreed.
Anonymous September 18, 2009 5:16 pm
'cp85 said...
prolific, enigma... '
You're missing the point of the clip retard, they highlighted "prolific" as that is something he is not.
prolific, enigma... '
You're missing the point of the clip retard, they highlighted "prolific" as that is something he is not.
Anonymous September 19, 2009 5:25 am
To anyone who thinks Henson is talented:
Shut the fuck up.
If he didnt manage to achieve his potential thats his fault, or maybe that WAS his maximum potential.
This video fucking pissed me off.
Enigma? Mysterious? Dont fucking kid me. Henson is a stupid little plonker who only focuses being in the spotlight, not on rugby. Im sure he just left rugby, because his career was getting worse and worse and wanted to leave while he still had SOME dignity. NOT. This boring, pretentious vain son of a bitch is a disgrace to rugby.
He has a pretty good boot. Why doesnt he just play soccer???
I'll tell you another reason why he quit. He cant contend with Jamie Roberts, who is all class.
The clip left out some important words: Arrogant, Vain, Predictable, Un-creative, Boring.
I mean, you kick one game-winning kick against England and suddenly you are Jesus Christ.
I hope Gavin Henson never touches a rugby ball again and embarass the manly game of rugby.
Shut the fuck up.
If he didnt manage to achieve his potential thats his fault, or maybe that WAS his maximum potential.
This video fucking pissed me off.
Enigma? Mysterious? Dont fucking kid me. Henson is a stupid little plonker who only focuses being in the spotlight, not on rugby. Im sure he just left rugby, because his career was getting worse and worse and wanted to leave while he still had SOME dignity. NOT. This boring, pretentious vain son of a bitch is a disgrace to rugby.
He has a pretty good boot. Why doesnt he just play soccer???
I'll tell you another reason why he quit. He cant contend with Jamie Roberts, who is all class.
The clip left out some important words: Arrogant, Vain, Predictable, Un-creative, Boring.
I mean, you kick one game-winning kick against England and suddenly you are Jesus Christ.
I hope Gavin Henson never touches a rugby ball again and embarass the manly game of rugby.
Anonymous September 20, 2009 8:35 am
he'll be back if, or when his missus says so.
Anonymous September 21, 2009 6:03 pm
im welsh and ill admit he is overated in the sense that he hasnt done enough to be talked about the way he is. It must seem to people outside of wales that we are delusional about his ability.
But to shed abit of light to the outsiders... its because wales is a rugby village where every loves and talks about rugby. Im from bridgend where gav hails from and for years i have played against and watched him at shcool level dominate and have heard about his skills at club level. We have also watch him score week in week out for the ospreys and display great skill at times.
So we as welsh fans are frustrated at what a player he could of.. or could still be, if only he would screw his head on tight. Which is usually the difference between a could have been and a player such as odriscol..
But to shed abit of light to the outsiders... its because wales is a rugby village where every loves and talks about rugby. Im from bridgend where gav hails from and for years i have played against and watched him at shcool level dominate and have heard about his skills at club level. We have also watch him score week in week out for the ospreys and display great skill at times.
So we as welsh fans are frustrated at what a player he could of.. or could still be, if only he would screw his head on tight. Which is usually the difference between a could have been and a player such as odriscol..
Abs7 November 18, 2009 4:05 pm
I'd have Henson @ 12 Roberts @ 13.. if he ever came back, that would be a dream pairing.
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