Gavin Henson has denied reports that he is set to retire © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gavin Henson

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

Ospreys and Wales centre Gavin Henson has denied reports that he is poised to retire from the game. Henson, 27, was reported by The Sun to have told friends of his disillusionment with rugby after a series of injury problems.

Henson returned to training as expected on Monday, and received treatment on a pre-existing groin injury before requesting an audience with Ospreys management in order to dispel the reports in the press.

After missing the start of Wales' 2009 Six Nations campaign, Henson was later ruled out of this summer's British & Irish Lions tour due to an ankle injury picked up on club duty with the Ospreys. There had been speculation that Henson may switch codes and join the Celtic Crusaders Super League side, but he has committed himself to fighting his injury problems and getting his domestic and international career back on track.

"I've certainly been having difficulties with the recurring injury but I have absolutely no intention of quitting the game," he said. "I'm receiving the best medical care to help me address the injury problem, and I'm sure that I'll be able to put it behind me in the very near future."

Since his international debut in 2001 Henson has won only 31 Wales caps, and missed two World Cups, due to persistent injury. In 2005 and 2008 he was instrumental in Welsh Grand Slams however, playing all 10 games including a famous last-gasp kick to defeat England in 2005.

"It's been very difficult for Gavin having to deal with various rumours about his retirement at a time when he is trying to recover from injury and get match fit," said Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy. "Gavin Henson has played a significant part in the success of the Ospreys to date, and we're looking forward to seeing him perform on the pitch again next season. He is a genuine talent and an asset to both the Ospreys and the Welsh team, and while I know that he was extremely disappointed to miss out on the recent Lions tour, he is looking forward to re-entering the top tier of the game again in the coming season and beyond."

After being told he would have to forget the Lions tour, Henson admitted to questioning his future in the game.

"Those thoughts run through my head," he said. "When I get knocked out with an injury, it is soul-destroying. Is it worth it?

"Everyone sees the press I get every time I get injured, it is tough for me and my family, it is hard to take.It is a complete nightmare again, I can't believe my luck. I'm pretty down and depressed about it at the moment, maybe I'm cursed.

"It is another difficult year, I've had an up and down last four years with injuries and I haven't been consistent at all - it has been tough. Then when I play in games the fitness isn't there because I haven't had a good run of games. There are more tough times ahead again."