Gavin Henson has signed for Saracens © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gavin Henson

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership | Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Saracens | Wales

Ambitious Aviva Premiership club Saracens have completed the signing of Gavin Henson.

The Wales centre was released from his contract with the Ospreys on Wednesday, paving the way for him to link up with Saracens as cover for the injured Derick Hougaard.

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 will depend on his existing commitments to BBC reality TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Saracens believe that his return to full match fitness will coincide with the end of his time on the programme, which runs until Christmas.

"I am genuinely delighted to get this opportunity to play for Saracens," Henson said. "They have created a special vibe at the club and, to be honest, just being around them has rekindled my enthusiasm for the sport. They're bold and innovative, and they're positive and ambitious.

"I know I still have so much to give to rugby, and I can't wait to get back on the field, playing for Saracens and hopefully for Wales. Now it's time to start working hard, getting back to match fitness as soon as possible and then to let my rugby do all the talking."

Sarries boss Brendan Venter welcomed the deal, while the club also expressed their gratitude to the Ospreys for the manner in which they agreed to release Henson for the 'wider interests of the player and of the game'.

"Gavin is a special talent and we are delighted he has chosen to launch the next phase of his career with us," Venter said. "We believe he will enjoy our environment, on and off the field - that will be great news for our supporters and for Welsh rugby."