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Henson upset with Ospreys snub
ESPNscrum Staff
October 28, 2011
Wales' Gavin Henson keeps his eye on the ball during training, Welsh training session, The Vale Resort, Cardiff, Wales, August 11, 2011
Henson has his eyes set on a World Cup spot in 2015 © Getty Images
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Gavin Henson has admitted his disappointment at the Ospreys turning their back on him though he is adamant that he wants to finish his career with new club the Cardiff Blues.

Henson has embarked on an eight-month contract with the Blues and will have to wait in the region of four weeks for his debut as he struggles to recover from his hand injury which put pay to his World Cup aspirations. And after turning out for Saracens and Toulon last term, Ospreys boss Scott Johnson denied they would entertain the idea of bringing the Welsh international back to the Liberty Stadium citing off-field distractions as a reason.

"I'm a bit disappointed not to be back at the Ospreys but that wasn't meant to be," Henson told Wales Online. "I think everyone has seen what Scott Johnson said on TV. It is disappointing but that is the way it goes.

"I had a good 10 years down there but it is a new start again for me at the Blues. I need to repay them on the field. I suppose it does feel a bit strange being in the blue of Cardiff but I am just grateful for the opportunity they have given me to stay in Wales and play at this high level.

"I can understand why people talk about last chance saloons. I'm nearly 30 and I've taken a lot of time out of the game so there are huge question marks. I have a lot to prove to myself and everyone else.

"This is going to be my last club and I could play for a long time. I certainly hope I finish my career here at the Blues. I have long term goals to make the next Lions tour and I'd like to think I can make that next World Cup. It eats away at me that I haven't been to one yet but I have a lot to do in the meantime."

Henson, however, faces a tough task to break into the Cardiff side with the likes of Jamie Roberts, Casey Laulala and Dafydd Hewitt all vying for the centre berth with Ceri Sweeney and Dan Parks also contending for the fly-half spot.

"I'm not sure where I see myself playing for the Blues to be honest. I like 10 and 12 - both positions excite me. I probably enjoy 10 more but I haven't played there for so long," Henson said. "They have a lot of quality in the centre here, and even at 10. It's going to be hard for me to get in the team.

"Myself and Jamie Roberts have played together a couple of times and there has been glimpses of what we could possibly do together. I think we could complement each other. He is definitely the best 12 in world rugby at the moment, there is no doubt about that. It will be just great to play alongside him, whether it is inside him at 10 or outside in the centre."

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