Writing in the Daily Mail, Chris Foy spots a chink of self-doubt in Gavin Henson ahead of the Welshman’s return to competitive rugby for Saracens.
"Gavin Henson has waltzed through the build-up to his rugby return with a confident swagger - making bold predictions about hitting the ground running. But, as he surveyed the scene of his Boxing Day comeback, there was a trace of uncertainty.
The 28-year-old double Grand Slam-winner, Lion and Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist, was at Wembley for a few practice kicks at goal and a chance to visualise his first appearance for 21 months. On Sunday he is poised to make his debut for Saracens in their Aviva Premiership clash with Wasps, in front of a curious crowd of around 50,000.
The festive hordes will wonder whether the man who has become a reality TV star in the past six months can still cut it in the more brutal world of his old day job. They will judge if Henson the rugby player can support the weight of Henson the burgeoning brand.
The man himself has made positive noises about how quickly he will find his feet and earn a Wales recall for the Six Nations. He was similarly upbeat at Wembley but could not quite disguise an element of doubt. He thinks he will be fine, as good as new, if not better. But, after all the time out of action, he just does not know.
'I have no idea where I'm at to be honest, but I'm feeling pretty good,' Henson said. 'I just hope I can perform pretty well. I think it will be all right. I'm really excited about playing again, I just hope I'm going to be good, but I might not be. I try not to let negative thoughts come into my head, so in my mind I am playing unbelievable rugby! It might be a different thing in reality, but I'm staying positive.
'If it doesn't happen straight away, it doesn't happen straight away. I am back in rugby for good and I look after myself so hopefully I can play for another eight years. I am in it for the long haul.'"
RSS feed
