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Bristol straight bat Henson rumours
ESPN Staff
January 8, 2015
Gavin Henson has been linked with Bristol © Getty Images
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Bristol Rugby have stayed quiet over rumours linking them with a move for Bath's Gavin Henson.

Bath's capture of Rhys Priestland has raised questions over Henson's future at the club and with his contract up at the end of the season, he has been linked with a move either to Bristol or back to Wales. Bristol have announced two new signings this week with Tommaso Benvenuti arriving immediately and Tom Varndell signed up for next season but director of rugby Andy Robinson would not be drawn on whether they had an agreement with Henson.

"There's always lots of speculation," Robinson says in the Bath Chronicle. "For us, and the ambitions we have, we will always be linked to any player. I'm surprised we weren't linked with Rhys Priestland, because it happens. When we have a signing, we'll announce it and hopefully we'll be able to bring in the players we believe are right to move Bristol forward.

"Gavin is a talented player who has played well for Bath. We have a lot of respect for the way he goes out and plays the game but, from my side, when there are things to be announced it will be announced. I'm not saying either 'yes' or 'no' as to whether we're looking at him.

"One thing you could always say about a Gavin Henson is he can play at 10, he can play at 12 and he can goal-kick. So for certain clubs, he is of interest, because he can do that. For us, I will make comment regarding him joining Bristol if a contract is agreed."

Bath are yet to decide whether to give Henson a new contract and they are holding off talks until he returns to full fitness after suffering an Achilles injury in November.

Bath coach Toby Booth said: "Everyone knows he's out of contract, but we've held back to do right by Gav because he hasn't been able to put his best foot forward, as it were, for a couple of months. The end of November is the last time he played for us, so the plan is to get him up and running and see how he goes, then the decisions can be made on his future from there."

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