Davies offers to help rescue Henson

Alex Lowe
Friday 29 September 2006 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jonathan Davies would relish the chance to sit down with Gavin Henson and help relaunch his career in time for the 2007 World Cup.

Henson is struggling to hold down a regular position in the Ospreys side and on current form would struggle to make the Wales squad for the autumn Tests. Davies, who in his time as an international in both codes went "through all the pitfalls that are out there", is ready and willing to help.

"If any player wants to talk I am always there," said Davies. "I love my rugby and I look at it differently now than when I was playing. I look at it analytically. I think I know what he is going through. When things aren't going well it is very, very tough."

Henson, despite his celebrity persona, is a proud individual and when things are not going well his need for privacy can act as a barrier to concerned outsiders. But Davies is convinced he can return to his stunning form of 2004-05, when he played a big part in Wales' Six Nations Grand Slam, in time for the big kick-off in France.

"As a rugby supporter, I know what he is capable of," he said. "You want Gavin to be back on form because [the Wales coach] Gareth Jenkins is in a very strong position and won't pick him on reputation."

Henson hardly played last season thanks to a groin injury and a suspension for elbowing the Leicester prop Alex Moreno. But the press still followed his every move, thanks to a controversial book and his relationship with the singer Charlotte Church. Henson returned to action out of shape, and even declared himself "suicidal" after a poor performance for Wales against Ireland.

"Everything has been said for his celebrity way of life and his partner - but to me that is immaterial," Davies said. "He is a total professional. His body is a temple. He trains hard, he is very focused on what he does but he is not performing on the field.

"When things aren't going well you have to put yourself about a bit. He has to look for opportunities and he has to take games by the scruff of the neck. If he can do that things will turn around. One tackle could change his season."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in