Henson set for Boxing Day return

IT’S the news that’s likely to delight many Welsh fans – centre Gavin Henson looks set to make his delightful return to rugby on Boxing Day. The former golden boy of the Wales team seems ready to make his debut for new club Saracens at Wembley Stadium against Wasps.The ex-Ospreys centre hasn’t played since March 2009 because of injuries and supposed private problems. But the long absence for the 28-year-old, a Grand Slam winner with Wales in 2005 and 2008, and a Lion in New Zealand five years ago, seems to be nearly over.

Sarries chief executive Edward Griffiths has hinted Wembley provides the ideal stage for him to make his debut for the club."If you’re looking at it, the Wembley match looks like a grand stage for what could be a grand occasion,” said Griffiths.“Obviously, selection of the team is very much up to the coaches, but it’s funny how things seem to work out.“Maybe Gavin Henson’s Saracens introduction could take place on the grandest stage in English sport at Wembley Stadium.”

Henson left the Ospreys in October after signing for the Sarries.His rugby comeback has been delayed by his commitments to the popular BBC1 programme Strictly Come Dancing.Grifiths said Henson has impressed in preparation and is very near to peak fitness.He said: “Gavin hasn’t played competitive rugby for over a year, so he was always going to take some training to get back to fitness. But he’s looking exceptional in training. The coaches are delighted with his movement.”