Henson back in Wales fold
Gavin Henson was welcomed back into the Wales set-up when he was named in a 35-strong training squad for the Six Nations, three years after his last appearance in the championship.
The controversial 29-year-old centre had battled his way into contention for a place in Wales’ World Cup squad last year but was eventually ruled out after suffering an injury against England in a warm-up game in August.
However, Henson, whose career faced an uncertain future after he took a break from the game in 2009, now has the chance to re-establish himself in coach Warren Gatland’s plans.
Another notable inclusion in Gatland’s squad was 18-year-old Cardiff Blues wing Harry Robinson, one of six uncapped players in the group.
Other debutants included Ospreys centre Ashley Beck, scrumhalf Rhys Webb and the Scarlets trio of Rhodri Jones, Lou Reed and Liam Williams.
Three France-based players – James Hook, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne – were all selected along with English-based trio Craig Mitchell, Rhys Gill and Andy Powell.
However, there was no place for veteran flyhalf Stephen Jones whose international career now appears to be at an end after 104 caps.
“We have had to strike a balance with this squad. The majority are those players who excelled for Wales during the Rugby World Cup, but we are also taking the opportunity to look at one or two youngsters before probably cutting our numbers even further before the start of the RBS 6 Nations,” Gatland said.
“These are exciting times for Welsh rugby. We showed a huge amount of potential at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and we’ll be working as hard as humanly possible to ensure we reach our potential in this year’s Six Nations Championship,” he added.
Wales Squad:
Backs: Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Webb, Rhys Priestland, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson, Ashley Beck, George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Harry Robinson, Liam Williams, Lee Byrne.
Forwards: Craig Mitchell, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Rhys Gill, Rhodri Jones, Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens, Bradley Davies , Ian Evans, Lou Reed, Ryan Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (captain), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Andy Powell.
