Wales
Henson targets World Cup spot
ESPN Staff
August 17, 2014
Gavin Henson has set his sights on playing in the World Cup © Getty Images
Enlarge

Gavin Henson has declared his wish to play in next year's World Cup and also admitted he was frustrated at missing Wales' Probables v Possibles trial game which took place in the run up to their tour of South Africa.

Henson, 32, impressed for Bath in their 26-26 draw with the Scarlets on Saturday and hopes more notable performances this season will see him force his way back into the Wales reckoning. He last played for Wales in 2011 and is yet to play in a World Cup but he wants to play at fly-half for Bath and hopes that will be enough to earn a call up from Warren Gatland.

"As long as I am playing the game I want to be back involved playing for Wales," Henson told Wales Online. "That is one of the main reasons I am still playing and I am going to push as hard as I can for that World Cup.

"I have always believed I can offer something different but it's up to me to play regular rugby and start for Bath. Until then I know it won't happen."

Henson was included in the squad for the Wales trial game but was forced to sit it out due to Premiership Rugby regulations. The experience was frustrating for Henson and he admits he did consider leaving Bath to help aid his Wales aspirations.

"I really wanted to play but I made the mistake before when I was with Toulon and it was the World Cup year in 2011. Toulon did not want me to play for Wales when they signed me and I said no to that. I went out on a limb and went to be involved with Wales without a club. I ended get up injured and was still left without a club. That was a tough time for me and I was in a dark place for a while.

"I was thinking about doing the same thing for this trial but knew I could not and had to let it go which was annoying. That trial meant everything to me because my goal is always to play for Wales. That was a good chance for me because some of the boys were injured and I had the opportunity to work with the coaches for a week and that could have worked for me.

"I did not get that chance but it's up to me to try and play well for Bath and get that starting spot and push for the autumn internationals or Six Nations."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.