Gavin Henson is finally ready to return to the pitch after 18 months out © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gavin Henson

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership | Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Saracens | Wales

Ospreys have "reluctantly" released Wales international Gavin Henson to play for Aviva Premiership side Saracens, they announced on Wednesday.

Magners League club Ospreys reached an agreement with Saracens confirming Henson's switch but the details of the deal will be kept confidential.

Henson, who has not played for 18 months after going on unpaid leave following the latest in a series of injury setbacks, was under contract with the Ospreys until next May.

He trained with Saracens for the first time this week but his playing return could depend on when he is eliminated from the Strictly Come Dancing reality TV show. The BBC programme runs up until Christmas, but Saracens could seek a deal to make him available to play.

The 28-year-old back's arrival at Vicarage Road would give Saracens additional fly-half cover after their South African No. 10 Derick Hougaard suffered a season-ending Achilles injury earlier this month.

Henson, meanwhile, won the last of his 31 Wales caps against Ireland during the 2009 Six Nations, but he has spoken of ambitions to play in next year's World Cup.

Ospreys managing director Mike Cuddy said: "In the interests of Gavin personally, and for Welsh rugby in general, we have reluctantly agreed to his request to be released from his contract with immediate effect, enabling him to return to rugby with Saracens.

"I am disappointed and frustrated, both personally for myself and for the Ospreys, as one thing we would all want to see is Gavin Henson back in an Ospreys shirt. However, circumstances haven't allowed for that to happen, and it is necessary that we make the decision that we have in order to allow everyone to move forward.

"All rugby fans will look forward to seeing Gavin back on a rugby pitch, and we sincerely hope that he will be back in the red jersey of Wales before too long. I know how strong Gavin's personal desire is to play at a World Cup. It has been a long-term ambition of his, and I certainly didn't want to be the person who prevented him from achieving that aim by standing in his way.

"We strongly believe that we would be the best place for Gavin to launch his return to rugby and to target a place in the Wales squad. However, as frustrating as it is for everyone involved at the Ospreys, on this occasion we have to concede that he will not play for us during the remaining time on his contract.

"As one of the original Ospreys from 2003, Gavin has given great service to the region, playing a big part in helping to establish the strength of our brand, and from my discussions with him I have never been in any doubt about his love for the Ospreys.

"We still hope that we haven't seen the last of Gavin in an Ospreys jersey, and we sincerely hope that one day he will return to his home region. Ospreys Rugby wishes Gavin all the best, and we hope that this move will enable him to once again become the player he was previously, regaining the influential form that he has shown for us on many occasions."