Controversial Welsh centre Gavin Henson insists that he wants to be part of Warren Gatland's World Cup plans next year, but the 28 year-old admits that he may need to look abroad to re-establish himself as a player of international quality.
Henson was a conspicuous absentee from the start of the Ospreys' pre-season training, after it was expected that he would make a return from his self-imposed sabbatical this season.
The Grand Slam-winning midfielder had reportedly set his sights on a return to rugby at the beginning of this season, with both the Ospreys and Wales eager for the talented back to come back into their ranks.
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The British and Irish Lion has been on indefinite leave from the game since an ankle injury put him on the sidelines in March last year, and pre-season training with the Ospreys seemed like the natural point to make his return.
Despite making clear his intentions to end his 15 month exile, the Ospreys declined to comment on the subject, and it is understood the coaching staff and players are in the dark about Henson's movements.
But the player insisted that his career is not over, even though he conceded that his time at the Ospreys could well be.
A place in Warren Gatland's World Cup squad is his aim, but a move England or France could be the way to re-ignite his career.
"I have never played in a World Cup and I’d like Ruby and Dexter [his children] to watch me," Henson told the Western Mail,
" I know people retire at 32 or 34, but I think I could play on for a while because I look after myself. If it didn’t work out at the Ospreys, maybe I would have to look to England or perhaps France."
Speaking for the first time about his break from the sport, Henson explained: "I had had enough of the game. I had no will to train any more.
"I'd had a run of injuries for two or three years. I would be out for seven months, then come back for a month, only to get injured again.
"I had been training for 10 years and my body needed a break.
"There is only so much sport rehabilitation you can do.
"Rugby is such a full on job.
"I wasn’t depressed, but I just wasn't enjoying it.
"And with Charlotte [famous singer and wife Charlotte Church] wanting to go back to work again, that made the decision for me."
A succession of career- hampering injuries and a highly publicized personal life have made Henson more of a celebrity than a rugby player of the past few years, and now he has been linked to British celebrity dancing show, 'Strictly Come Dancing.'
Asked about the show, Henson gave a tongue-in-cheek answer, saying: "I can’t dance... unless I've had a few drinks."
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