Henson: I'm not quitting

Wales centre dismisses speculation over his future

By Tony Curtis   Last updated: 14th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Henson: I'm not quitting

Henson: No plans to quit

I've certainly been having difficulties with the recurring injury but I have absolutely no intention of quitting the game.

Gavin Henson
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Wales and Ospreys centre Gavin Henson has hit back at speculation over his future by insisting he has "absolutely no intention" of quitting rugby.

Reports had claimed the 27-year-old was ready to walk away from the sport after becoming disillusioned at the end of last season.

And while he admitted he was left feeling down after injuries disrupted his season and ruled him out of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, Henson has dismissed rumours he was about to quit.

Following a meeting with officials at the Ospreys, Henson said: "I've certainly been having difficulties with the recurring injury but I have absolutely no intention of quitting the game.

"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."

However Henson admitted he questioned his future and whether he was cursed after he was ruled out the Lions tour.

"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.

Nightmare

"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."

Henson returned to the Ospreys on Monday as he underwent treatment on a groin injury before meeting with the club's executives.

And managing director Mike Cuddy insists the Ospreys are looking forward to seeing the talented centre back in action.

Cuddy said: "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.

"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."

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Comments (4)

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Bill Porter says...

Waster, I would give anything to have even half the natural talent he's got. So you've been injured, so what - so has Wilkinson and worse than him and for longer than him and he's now back in the England squad. Strap on a pair man and stop be so soft - its rugby you get injured, deal with it.

Posted 12:55 15th July 2009

Dan Morgan says...

Henson should quit he has done nothing at international level for some time saw him play at full back against Ireland in six nations last year and what adisgrace he was stayed under post did no work. He not first pick at centre for Wales or Lions and rightfully so. Henson problem is he has habbit of getting headlines for partying and trouble and not for rugby

Posted 01:13 15th July 2009

Gareth Davies says...

Gavin should have been one of the greatest natureal players of his generation, but what went wrong? Apart from his injuries, I believe as do many others that his ego out grew his talent. Rugby is not just a physical game, its a state of mind, a mind set. If you have distractions of the pitch it effects your performance on the pitch. If your mind is somewhere else your are going to get injured no question. If Gavin wants it as badly as he claims, sort your head out, dig deep in your heart and ask yourself is it really want I want? There has never been any doubt of his talent and abilities just what goes on in his head.

Posted 14:11 14th July 2009

Dave Howard says...

Shame...

Posted 12:55 14th July 2009
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