Welsh Rugby
Henson returns to Wales fold
ESPNscrum Staff
January 4, 2011
Wales' Gavin Henson stretches the Ireland defence, Wales v Ireland, Six Nations, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, March 21, 2009
Gavin Henson last played for his country against Ireland in the 2009 Six Nations © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Warren Gatland | Gavin Henson | Kingsley Jones
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations | Aviva Premiership
Teams: Saracens | Wales

Gavin Henson had his first official involvement with the Wales squad in nearly two years on Monday when he underwent fitness testing at the team's Vale of Glamorgan base.

Despite having played just two matches since coming out of self-imposed exile to play for Saracens in the Aviva Premiership, Warren Gatland included the 28-year-old in a group of players screened by the Wales support staff ahead of their Six Nations campaign.

Henson has targeted an international return and has consistently spoken about winning back his Welsh place in the build up to his return to club rugby. He made a promising debut off the bench for his new club in their Wembley win over Wasps, but was poor in their defeat to Sale last Sunday.

Sarries coach Mark McCall hauled him off after 53 minutes of play at outside centre that saw him exposed for pace by England wing Mark Cueto. The ex-Ulster coach McCall labelled the match a "difficult day" for Henson, who prefers the number 12 jersey. He has, as yet, been unable to oust Brad Barritt at his favoured inside centre berth and he drew sympathy from Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones, who said, "I've got sympathy for Gavin. If you're going to play him it must be where he's in the thick of the action."

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign in Cardiff against England on February 4, with Henson facing a race against time to be involved.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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