View source for Gavin Henson

{{short description|Welsh international rugby union player (born 1982)}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2012}} 
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Gavin Henson
| image = Gavin Henson.JPG
| caption =
| birth_name = Gavin Lloyd Henson
| nickname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1982|2|1}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/player/13661.html  |title=Profile  |publisher=ESPN Scrum  |access-date=3 April 2012  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325053842/http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/player/13661.html |archive-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Pencoed]], [[Mid Glamorgan]], Wales
| death_date =
| death_place =
| school = Plas-y-Felin Primary School, [[Brynteg School|Brynteg Comprehensive]], [[Bridgend]], Wales
| height = {{convert|183|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=hw>{{cite web|url=https://dragonsrfc.wales/teams/player/dragons/101268/gavin-henson.html|title=Gavin Henson|publisher=dragonsrfc.wales|accessdate=28 January 2025}}</ref>
| weight = {{convert|93|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on}}<ref name=hw/>
| position = [[Fly half (rugby union)|Fly half]]<br>[[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]]<br>[[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]]
| repyears1  = 2001–2011 | repteam1   = [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]]
| repcaps1   = 33        | reppoints1 = 130
| repyears2  = [[2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|2005]]
| repteam2   = [[British and Irish Lions]]
| repcaps2   = 1         | reppoints2 = 0
| years1     = 2000      | clubs1     = [[Llanelli RFC|Llanelli]]
| apps1      = 1         | points1    = 5
| years2     = 2000–2003 | clubs2     = [[Swansea RFC|Swansea]]
| apps2      = 57        | points2    = 391
| years3     = 2003–2009 | clubs3     = [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]]
| apps3      = 98        | points3    = 778
| years4     = 2010–2011 | clubs4     = [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]
| apps4      = 3         | points4    = 0
| years5     = 2011      | clubs5     = [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]]
| apps5      = 3         | points5    = 5
| years6     = 2011–2012 | clubs6     = [[Cardiff Blues]]
| apps6      = 8         | points6    = 0
| years7     = 2012–2013 | clubs7     = [[London Welsh]]
| apps7      = 9         | points7    = 67
| years8     = 2013–2015 | clubs8     = [[Bath Rugby|Bath]]
| apps8      = 35        | points8    = 72
| years9     = 2015–2017 | clubs9     = [[Bristol Rugby|Bristol]]
| apps9      = 27        | points9    = 271
| years10    = 2017-2019 | clubs10    = [[Dragons (rugby union)|Dragons]]
| apps10     = 15        | points10   = 98
| years11    = 2024      | clubs11    = [[Pencoed RFC|Pencoed]]
| apps11     = 1         | points11   = 5
| ru_clubupdate = 16 September 2024
| module       = {{infobox rugby league biography
| embed        = yes
| club1        = [[West Wales Raiders|West Wales]]
| year1start   = 2021
| appearances1 = 1
| tries1       = 0
| goals1       = 0
| fieldgoals1  = 0
| points1      = 0 
}}

}}

'''Gavin Lloyd Henson''' (born 1 February 1982) is a [[Welsh people|Welsh]] former professional [[rugby union]] player, who played as a [[Fly-half (rugby union)|fly-half]], [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]] and [[Centre (rugby union)|inside centre]].

Between 2000 and 2019 he played for [[Llanelli RFC|Llanelli]],  [[Swansea RFC]], the [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]], [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]], [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]], [[Cardiff Blues]], [[London Welsh]], [[Bath Rugby|Bath]], [[Bristol Rugby|Bristol]] and the [[Dragons (rugby union)|Dragons]].

He won 33 caps for [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales national team]] and one for the [[British & Irish Lions]]. He was part of a Wales team which won [[Grand Slam (Rugby Union)|Grand Slams]] in the [[Six Nations Championship]] in [[2005 Six Nations Championship|2005]] and [[2008 Six Nations Championship|2008]]. He played for the British & Irish Lions in their [[2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|2005 tour to New Zealand]].

Since 2010, Henson has participated in several reality television series: ''[[71 Degrees North]]'', ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'', ''[[The Bachelor UK (series 4)|The Bachelor]]'' and ''[[Hunted (2015 TV series)|Celebrity Hunted]]''. In 2021 he began playing [[rugby league]] for [[West Wales Raiders]] in [[RFL League 1|League 1]].

==Rugby career==

===Llanelli RFC: 2000===
Henson's one and only appearance for Llanelli RFC was against the then Border Reivers at Greenyards in May 2000. The Rievers won the match 51–23. Henson played at [[Fly-half (rugby union)|10]] and scored 5 points (1 conversion & 1 penalty).<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/rugby_union/746918.stm | work=BBC News | title=Red-hot Reivers beat woeful Welsh | date=12 May 2000}}</ref>

===Swansea/Ospreys: 2000–2009===
Born in Pencoed, Henson played rugby for his school, [[Brynteg Comprehensive School|Brynteg Comprehensive]], in [[Bridgend]], Wales.<ref name="BBC Hall of Fame">{{cite web|title=Gavin Henson|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast/halloffame/sport/gavin_henson.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306005942/http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast/halloffame/sport/gavin_henson.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2005 |access-date=2 February 2011|publisher= BBC Wales South East|date=August 2009 }}</ref> Despite his Bridgend origins, he joined [[Swansea RFC]] at the age of 18. He was presented with the [[International Rugby Board]]'s [[IRB Awards|Young Player of the Year]] award in 2001.<ref name="IRB2001">
{{cite web
 |title=Past IRB Awards winners 
 |publisher=IRB (International Rugby Board) 
 |url=http://www.worldrugby.org/world-rugby-awards/past-winners 
 |access-date=22 April 2007 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121170446/http://www.worldrugby.org/world-rugby-awards/past-winners 
 |archive-date=21 November 2014 
}}</ref> During this time, he had started paving the way to his international career by signing for the Wales A team. He made his international debut for Wales during June 2001 in a Test against [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]], coming off the bench.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/match/24006.html |title=Japan V Wales (2001) |publisher=ESPN Scrum |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104152016/http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/match/24006.html |archive-date=4 January 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>
He then started his next match, at fly-half in a game against [[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] on 19 September 2001.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/match/24051.html 
 |title=Wales V Romania (2001) 
 |publisher=ESPN Scrum 
 |access-date=3 April 2012 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606061806/http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/match/24051.html
 |archive-date=6 June 2022
 |url-status=live
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>
In November of that year, he played for Wales A against [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]], scoring his first try in an international.
[[Image:Henson, Gavin.JPG|200px|thumb|left|Henson in action for the [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]]]]
In 2003, regional rugby was launched in Wales, and Henson played for the [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]]. He made his debut for the Ospreys as a substitute on 9 September 2003 in a match against [[Ulster Rugby|Ulster]], scoring two tries and kicking both a penalty and conversion to score 15 points. He was moved to fly-half for the subsequent match against the Newport-Gwent Dragons, scoring 14 points from kicks. Henson returned to the international field for Wales in 2003. He played twice, and was on the bench for two other Tests. He was capped against both the All Blacks and Romania.

Henson came to wider notice in 2004 with a series of performances in Wales' autumn internationals against [[All Blacks|New Zealand]] and [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]]. Henson became a firm part of the Welsh starting line-up, and after playing at fullback in the second Test against Argentina and the first against South Africa, he played in the centres for the remainder of the season.

He remained on the team for the [[2005 Six Nations Championship]]. In Wales' opening fixture in February, at home to England, Henson gave an effective performance; making two tackles on [[Mathew Tait]] (earning Tait the nickname 'Henson's Handbag'{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}) and landing the match-winning points with a 48&nbsp;m penalty kick and being named man of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_41381.shtml |title=2005 Six Nations Wales-England match report |publisher=Planet Rugby |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501181636/http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/Six_Nations/story_41381.shtml |archive-date= 1 May 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2005/02/06/srwale06.xml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406191335/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fsport%2F2005%2F02%2F06%2Fsrwale06.xml | url-status=dead | archive-date=6 April 2005 | title=Henson kick-starts Wales celebrations | work=Daily Telegraph | date=6 February 2005 | access-date=2 February 2011 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Ackford }}</ref> <!--I cannot find a reference to man of the match so I have removed it for now.--> Back in his club side, Henson was part of a team which took the [[Pro14|Celtic League]] cup: in the deciding match against [[Edinburgh Gunners|Edinburgh]] on 26 March 2005, he scored 24 of his side's 29 points.<ref>{{Cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/4373873.stm | title = Ospreys-Edinburgh Celtic League final match report | publisher = BBC Sport|date=29 March 2005| access-date =2 February 2011}}</ref>

In the northern hemisphere summer of the same year, Henson was named in the Lions squad for the [[2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand|tour]] of New Zealand. He was "devastated not to be playing" in the first Test.<ref>{{cite news | url =https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/nov/06/rugbyunion.features| title = Gavin Henson interview| date= 6 November 2005|access-date =2 February 2011| work = The Guardian| location=London| first=JPR| last=Williams}}</ref>  When he was selected for the second test, he was injured and could not play in the final test. A groin injury delayed his return to club rugby in the autumn of the year. Within months of his Ospreys return, Henson was cited for kicking and elbowing Leicester prop [[Alex Moreno (rugby union)|Alex Moreno]] in a game against [[Leicester Tigers|Leicester]] on 19 December 2005.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/cardiff-blues-sack-gavin-henson-following-drunken-behaviour-on-flight-7608631.html 
 |title=Cardiff Blues sack Gavin Henson following drunken behaviour on flight 
 |date=2 April 2012 
 |publisher=Independent (UK) 
 |access-date=3 April 2012 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404054558/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/cardiff-blues-sack-gavin-henson-following-drunken-behaviour-on-flight-7608631.html
 |archive-date=4 April 2012
 |url-status=live
 |location=London 
 |first=Simon 
 |last=Rice 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>
He was found not guilty of the kicking offence, but guilty of the elbowing. He was initially suspended for ten weeks and two days: this period was reduced on appeal to seven weeks. Following this suspension and a single game at club level, he returned to international rugby against Ireland.
[[Image:Gavin Henson Wales.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Henson in action for [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]].]]
In October 2005, Henson's ''My Grand Slam Year'' was published. Comments about the Lions tour and remarks about other players ensured rapid publicity and Henson had to apologise to his teammates.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/9180975/Gavin-Henson-sacked-by-Cardiff-Blues-for-unacceptable-behaviour-on-flight-from-Glasgow.html|title=Gavin Henson sacked by Cardiff Blues for 'unacceptable' behaviour on flight from Glasgow|date=2 April 2012|publisher=Daily Telegraph (UK)|access-date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402174938/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/9180975/Gavin-Henson-sacked-by-Cardiff-Blues-for-unacceptable-behaviour-on-flight-from-Glasgow.html|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live|location=London|first=Graham|last=Clutton}}</ref>
He was not selected in the Wales squad for the [[2007 Rugby World Cup]] by then coach [[Gareth Jenkins]], after he failed to prove his fitness after recovering from an [[Achilles tendon]] injury.

Henson was recalled to the Welsh Squad by caretaker coach Nigel Davies, to play against South Africa shortly after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.  He then started for of all of Wales [[2008 Six Nations Championship]] games, Wales then went on to win the Grand Slam for the second time in four seasons.  Henson lost his first 6 Nations match in which he started on 21 March 2009 as Ireland beat Wales in Cardiff 17–15, to win the [[2009 Six Nations Championship|Grand Slam]].<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/story/93796.html 
 |title=Ireland secure historic Grand Slam 
 |date=21 March 2009 
 |publisher=ESPN Scrum 
 |access-date=3 April 2012 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610044432/http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/story/93796.html
 |archive-date=10 June 2022
 |url-status=live
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>

===Sabbatical: 2009–2010===
On 13 July 2009, British tabloid, ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'', announced that Henson planned to retire immediately from rugby. On 14 July 2009, Henson and the Ospreys issued a joint statement denying the player had any intention of quitting. Henson said, "I've certainly been having difficulties with the recurring injury but I have absolutely no intention of quitting the game".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/15293740/henson-denies-retirement-rumours|title=Henson denies retirement rumours|author=ESPN Staff|date=13 July 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref>

In 2009, Mike Turner of the [[Crusaders Rugby League|Crusaders RL]] (who at that time played in the [[Super League]]) stated that if Henson ever thought of switching to [[rugby league]] the club would be happy to talk to him.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/crusaders-beckon-if-gavin-henson-quits-rugby-union-1744530.html | work=The Independent | location=London | title=Crusaders beckon if Gavin Henson quits rugby union | first=Ian | last=Laybourn | date=13 July 2009 | access-date=3 May 2010}}</ref> Since this time, Henson has made no official statement on the subject, shown any intent with regard to joining a Super League club or held any talks with the Crusaders, although he regularly attended their matches in 2009.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/feb/16/gareth-thomas-crusaders-rugby-league | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Crusaders target Gareth Thomas for rugby league switch | first=Andy | last=Wilson | date=16 February 2010 | access-date=3 May 2010}}</ref>

===Comeback: 2010–2019===
On 27 October 2010, Ospreys released a statement from managing director, Mike Cuddy, stating that Henson would be released from his contract with the province with immediate effect,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/4792.php |title=Ospreys Statement on Henson being released from his contract |date=27 October 2010 |work=Ospreys |access-date=27 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111010243/http://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/4792.php |archive-date=11 November 2010 }}</ref> and that he would be returning to rugby with the English club Saracens. Henson had not played professional Rugby for 18 months before this announcement following his period of unpaid leave from the Ospreys. Henson had been reported as having trained with Saracens two days prior to this announcement on 25 October 2010, leading to speculation that the return to professional rugby was imminent. Henson's agent, Matt Ginvert, stated that Henson will return to Rugby after completing his commitments with the BBC's ''Strictly Come Dancing'' programme, and Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths said that he saw no reason why Henson would not compete for the club before Christmas 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/saracens/9125923.stm|title=Gavin Henson joins Saracens after Ospreys release|date=27 October 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 October 2010}}</ref> Henson signed for Saracens in October 2010, making his debut at [[Wembley Stadium]] in the Boxing Day 2010 match against [[Wasps RFC|London Wasps]]; his first competitive game since March 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=6129 |title=Saracens sign Gavin Henson |date=28 October 2010 |access-date=28 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615102922/http://www.saracens.com/news/view.php?Id=6129 |archive-date=15 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2010/12/27/gavin-henson-back-and-targeting-wales-return-91466-27890031/|author=Phil Blanche |title=Gavin Henson back and targeting Wales return |access-date=27 December 2010 |date=27 December 2010 |publisher= [[Media Wales|Media Wales Ltd]] |location=Cardiff |work=[[WalesOnline]] website}}</ref> After playing four games for Saracens, starting only one, Henson was released from his contract on 2 February 2011.<ref name=BBC9385402>{{Cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/saracens/9385402.stm | title = Saracens agree to Gavin Henson release | access-date=2 February 2011|date=2 February 2011 | work=BBC News}}</ref>

The same day, French sports newspaper ''[[L'Equipe]]'' reported that Henson had met [[RC Toulonnais]] head coach [[Philippe Saint-André]] and club owner [[Mourad Boudjellal]], for lunch in [[Toulon]]. The club, with their two first choice [[fly-half|fly-halves]] out injured, had an available space in their squad under [[Top 14]] regulations. Henson had commented while at Saracens that he was frustrated not to be playing in his preferred position.<ref name=BBC9385402/>  The following day, he signed a five-month contract with RC Toulonnais.<ref name=BBC9385402/> In April 2011, he was suspended for two weeks following an incident on a night out after a match against Toulouse, involving an alleged fight with his teammates. After a hearing, RC Toulonnais President Boudjellal decided to reintegrate Henson back into the squad.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/9465489.stm | work=BBC News | title=Henson given reprieve by Toulon | date=2 May 2011}}</ref> However, on 24 May 2011, Henson was released by RC Toulonnais.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/may/24/gavin-henson-toulon-contract-wales | work=Guardian.co.uk | title=No new contract for Gavin Henson as Toulon emphasise 'team spirit' | date=24 May 2011 |access-date=24 May 2011 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Rees}}</ref>

On 4 June 2011, Henson played his first match for Wales in 2 years, starting against the [[Barbarian F.C.|Barbarians]], Henson put in a good performance, although he described his match as merely "showing glimpses of what he can do".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/13656909.stm | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711123509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/13656909.stm | url-status=dead | archive-date=11 July 2012 | work=BBC News | title=Wales' Gavin Henson deflated after defeat by Barbarians | date=4 June 2011 | access-date=4 June 2011}}</ref> The match was a loss to the Barbarians, with [[Isa Nacewa]] scoring a try in the 79th minute, taking the score from 28–26 to Wales to 28–31 to the Barbarians.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/13645951 | work=BBC News | title=Wales 28–31 Barbarians | date=4 June 2011 | access-date=4 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jun/04/wales-barbarians%20international |title=Gavin Henson makes his mark but Wales lose to Barbarians in thriller |date=2 June 2011 |work=Guardian |location=London |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211101722/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jun/04/wales-barbarians-international |archive-date=11 December 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> After the Barbarian match, Henson was named in the 45-man preliminary [[2011 Rugby World Cup]] squad by new Wales coach [[Warren Gatland]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/13655778 | work=BBC News | title=Gavin Henson and Gareth Delve make Wales squad | date=4 June 2011 | access-date=4 June 2011}}</ref> On 11 August 2011, Henson started for Wales in a warmup test against rivals England at [[Millennium Stadium]], but left late in the first half after dislocating his wrist. The following day, it was announced that surgery on his wrist would keep him out for six to eight weeks, and that he would not be available for the pool stages of the World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/146267.html | work=ESPNscrum |title=Wrist surgery sidelines Gavin Henson |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=14 August 2011}}</ref>

In October 2011, it was announced by his agent and subsequently various media outlets, that Henson had signed for the [[Cardiff Blues]].<ref name=BBCWales15359520>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15359520|title=Gavin Henson opts to join Cardiff Blues|publisher=[[BBC Wales]]|date=18 October 2011|access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> The club later confirmed the 8-month deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5404.php|title=Gavin Henson joins Cardiff Blues|publisher=[[Cardiff Blues]]|date=18 October 2011|access-date=18 October 2011|archive-date=22 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022015005/http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5404.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 2 April 2012, it was announced by Cardiff Blues that his contract had been terminated by the club after he was reported to be drinking and behaving inappropriately on a flight home from Scotland after a Blues [[2011–12 Pro 12 League|match]] against Glasgow Warriors. The airline [[Flybe (1979-2020)|Flybe]], which Henson was flying with, banned him from the airline for a six-month period.
<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/17575844|title=Gavin Henson sacked by Cardiff Blues over flight incident|work=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/02/gavin-henson-sacked-cardiff-blues1 
 |title=Unruly Gavin Henson sacked by Cardiff Blues and hit with airline ban 
 |date=2 April 2012 
 |publisher=Guardian (London) 
 |access-date=3 April 2012 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404182646/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/apr/02/gavin-henson-sacked-cardiff-blues1
 |archive-date=4 April 2012
 |url-status=live
 |first=Paul 
 |last=Rees 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>

On 9 July 2012, newly promoted [[London Welsh]] announced that they had signed Henson for the [[2012–13 English Premiership (rugby union)|2012/13]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.london-welsh.co.uk/rugby_newsroom_article.asp?id=1269 |title=London Welsh RFC Rugby Club |publisher=London-welsh.co.uk |access-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905091945/http://www.london-welsh.co.uk/rugby_newsroom_article.asp?id=1269 |archive-date= 5 September 2012 }}</ref> On 13 June 2013, it was announced that Henson was to leave London Welsh, who had been relegated that year, to join [[Bath Rugby|Bath]] for the next season. He said  "I am thrilled to be joining Bath this summer, and I look forward to becoming part of what looks a very exciting squad. I still very much want to be playing at the highest level, and Bath is a big Club with big plans. I know what is expected of me and I can't wait to get started."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-signs-bath-rugby-4310945|title=Gavin Henson signs for Bath Rugby despite Newport Gwent Dragons interest|author=Jon Doel|date=13 June 2013|work=walesonline}}</ref> On 10 July 2013, Henson was knocked out by Bath teammate [[Carl Fearns]] on a night out in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-23286282|title=Bath Rugby investigates 'fracas' involving Gavin Henson|work=BBC News|date=12 July 2013}}</ref>

Having improved his recent form with Bath, including influential appearances in the centre. Due to this improved form Henson, reportedly, rejected an approach by the Newport Gwent Dragons to sign an extension to his Bath contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-signs-new-contract-6941575|title=Gavin Henson signs new contract with Bath Rugby – Wales Online|author=Anthony Woolford|date=9 April 2014|work=walesonline}}</ref>

Henson had been included in the Probables squad for the Wales trial match on 30 May 2014 in Swansea but was unable to take part due to Premier Rugby Limited's (the governing body of the English premiership) decision not to release non English players outside the IRB test window.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/27378354|title=Gavin Henson named in Wales Probables squad for trial|work=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 23 January 2015, it was announced Henson would be leaving Bath to join [[RFU Championship]] side [[Bristol Rugby|Bristol]], at the end of the [[2014–15 English Premiership (rugby union)|Aviva Premiership]] season on a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/30949459|title=Gavin Henson: Bath back to join Bristol for next season|work=BBC Sport|date=23 January 2015}}</ref>
However, on 11 February, he was released four months early from his Bath contract to take his place in the Bristol ranks, being replaced at Bath by incoming [[London Irish]] utility back [[Tom Homer (rugby union)|Tom Homer]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31415720|title=Gavin Henson released to Bristol as Bath sign Tom Homer|work=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 14 March 2017, Henson returned to Wales to sign for the [[Dragons (rugby union)|Dragons]], back in the [[Pro14]], on a two-year contract from the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39272781|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Former Wales versatile back Gavin Henson signs for Newport Gwent Dragons|date=14 March 2017|access-date=25 March 2017}}</ref>

=== International tries ===
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/statsguru/rugby/player/13661.html?class=1;orderby=tries;template=results;type=player;view=match|title=Rugby Union - ESPN Scrum - Statsguru - Player analysis - Gavin Henson - Test matches|access-date=14 July 2021|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714161722/http://en.espn.co.uk/statsguru/rugby/player/13661.html?class=1;orderby=tries;template=results;type=player;view=match|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Try  !! Opponent !! Location !! Venue !! Date !! Result
|-
| 1
| rowspan=2|{{ru|RSA}}
| rowspan=2|[[Cardiff]], Wales
| rowspan=2|[[Millennium Stadium]]
| rowspan=2|{{dts|format=dmy|2004|November|6}}
| rowspan=2|Loss
|-
| 2
|-
| 3 || {{ru|ROM}} || [[Cardiff]], Wales || [[Millennium Stadium]] || {{dts|format=dmy|2004|November|12}} || Win
|-
|}

===Rugby league===
After being released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018–2019 season, Henson retired and purchased a pub.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Howell |first1=Andy |title=Gavin Henson is becoming the landlord of this beautiful Welsh pub |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-becoming-landlord-beautiful-16226411 |website=WalesOnline |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=5 May 2019}}</ref> On 18 September 2020 it was announced that he was joining [[rugby league]] team [[West Wales Raiders]] who play in league's [[Betfred League 1|third tier]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orders |first1=Mark |title=Gavin Henson explains cross-code switch to rugby league |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-west-wales-raiders-18963601 |website=WalesOnline |access-date=20 September 2020 |date=19 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|website=Love Rugby League|date=11 Feb 2021|access-date=14 Feb 2021|title=Gavin Henson enjoying physicality of rugby league after crossing codes|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/gavin-henson-enjoying-physicality-of-rugby-league-after-crossing-codes/}}</ref>

He made his début in a 4–58 home defeat to [[Widnes Vikings]] in a Challenge Cup tie on 21 Mar 2021,<ref>{{cite web|website=BBC Sport|date=21 Mar 2021|accessdate=21 Mar 2021|title=West Wales Raiders 4-58 Widnes Vikings|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/match/EVP3533118}}</ref> but has not featured since.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

==In popular media==
In September 2010, he featured in the ITV1 outdoor series ''[[71 Degrees North]]'', a challenge show set in [[Norway]] in which he finished in 2nd place, losing out to [[Marcus Patric]]. He then featured as a contestant on BBC1's [[Strictly Come Dancing (series 8)|''Strictly Come Dancing''{{'}}s eighth series]], partnered by [[Katya Virshilas]]. In August 2011 a series, ''[[The Bachelor UK (series 4)|The Bachelor]]'', in which 25 young women battle it out on the French Riviera to win the heart of Henson "the Bachelor", began on [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]].<ref name="Metro">{{cite web|url= http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/872914-the-bachelor-did-little-for-gavin-hensons-reputation#ixzz1VYp7n6Es|title=The Bachelor did little for Gavin Henson's reputation|publisher=Metro.co.uk|date=20 August 2011|access-date=20 August 2011}}</ref> He has been criticised for these appearances in the press and by many rugby fans.<ref name="Metro"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2011/aug/19/gavin-henson-the-bachelor-rugby|title= Gavin Henson is more at home in The Bachelor than on the rugby field|work = [[The Guardian]]|date=19 August 2011|access-date=14 October 2011|location=London|first=David|last=Stubbs}}</ref>

Henson is referenced in the 2010 parody song "[[Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)]]", although another South Wales band, [[Goldie Lookin Chain]], in a wider critique of the song, noted that Henson "rarely ventured to Newport."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/7937960/Newport-State-of-Mind-mocked-in-turn-by-Goldie-Lookin-Chain.html|title=Newport State of Mind mocked in turn by Goldie Lookin Chain|first=Andy|last=Bloxham|date=11 August 2010|access-date=24 January 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

==Personal life==
His relationship with singer [[Charlotte Church]] was well covered by British media. On 20 September 2007 Church gave birth to a daughter Ruby Megan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charlotte Church reveals that daughter Ruby is a daddy's girl |url=https://people.com/parents/charlotte-churc-6/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20013730,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303064921/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20013730,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2007 |title=Charlotte Church 'Delighted' By Pregnancy - Pregnancy, Charlotte Church : People.com |publisher=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=13 November 2008}}</ref> Henson was excused from a 13 December 2008 Heineken Cup match against [[Benetton Rugby|Benetton Treviso]] because Church was due to deliver her second child prematurely, but this did not happen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7771192.stm |title=Second child puts Henson on hold |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 December 2008 |access-date=13 December 2008}}</ref>  On 11 January 2009, Church gave birth to the couple's second child, a son.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charlottechurch.com/|title=prize-survey.com|access-date=12 January 2009|archive-date=24 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124182659/http://www.charlottechurch.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7783964.stm | work=BBC News | title=Charlotte Church has a baby boy | date=11 January 2009 | access-date=3 May 2010}}</ref> On 31 May 2010 the couple announced that their relationship was over, two months after they had announced their engagement.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203043 | title=Charlotte Church and Gavin Henson confirm split | work=BBC News | author=Maev Kennedy | date= 2 June 2010 | access-date=4 June 2010}}</ref>

In 2011 Henson chose Carianne Barrow to be his girlfriend on reality television series ''[[The Bachelor (British series 4)|The Bachelor]]''. The couple split in March 2012.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

On 28 September 2019, Henson married his long-term partner Katie Wilson Mould at [[St Michael's and All Angels Church, Guiting Power]], on the outskirts of [[Cheltenham]], in Gloucestershire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-marries-fianc-katie-17000295|title = Gavin Henson marries his fiancée Katie Wilson in beautiful ceremony|date = 29 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Sion |date=2019-09-29 |title=Gavin Henson marries his fiancée Katie Wilson in beautiful ceremony |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-marries-fianc-katie-17000295 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref> Her father was the businessman and racehorse owner [[Raymond Mould]].<ref>https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-marries-fianc-katie-17000295</ref> In December 2020 the couple had their first child, a son.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} In May 2019 Henson became the landlord of the Fox and Hounds in [[St Brides Major]] in the [[Vale of Glamorgan]] and following refurbishment and a restaurant upgrade, shortened the name to The Fox.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Karen |date=2020-03-12 |title=We review Gavin Henson's new restaurant The Fox |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/review-gavin-hensons-new-restaurant-17910314 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gavin-henson-becoming-landlord-beautiful-16226411|title=Gavin Henson is becoming the landlord of this beautiful Welsh pub|last=Howell|first=Andy|date=2019-05-05|website=walesonline|access-date=2020-04-11}}</ref>

==Television appearances==
*''71 Degrees North'' (ITV, 2010)
*''Strictly Come Dancing'' (BBC, 2010)
*''The Bachelor'' (Channel 5, 2011)
*''Hunted'' (Channel 4, 2019)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://archive.today/20130615213200/http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/wales_seniors.php?player=4402&includeref=dynamic WRU Player Profile]
*{{ESPNscrum}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101608/http://www.premiershiprugby.com/matchcentre/fixtures/squads.php?player=4402&includeref=dynamic Aviva Premiership Player Profile]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002240/http://www.dragonsrugby.wales/Teams/Player/Dragons/101268/gavin-henson/ Dragons profile]

{{British and Irish Lions 2005}}
{{Bachelor}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Henson, Gavin}}
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[[Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen]]
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