New ReCRUit?

By Chris O'Brien
July 13 2009

Reports suggest that Gavin Henson as hung up his boots at the Ospreys; fuelling speculation that the Welshman could be set to switch codes and join the Celtic Crusaders. Henson is a regular at the Brewery Field and, according to reports in The Sun, told friends at this weekend’s Salford game that he plans to retire from Union within the next few days.

Henson played every game in Wales 2008 Grand Slam success but has since fallen out of favour at the Liberty Stadium and has struggled with a host of niggling injury problems.

The Sun claims that Henson has hung up his boots to concentrate on his hobby of sailing - with the tabloid alleging that the 27-year-old told friends of his intention to quit as he watched the Celtic Crusaders beat Salford on Saturday evening.

Centre Henson is a huge fan of rugby league and is regularly spotted at the Brewery Field cheering on John Dixon's men. Should reports of his Union exit be confirmed, reports will certainly link 2005 British Lion with a cross-code switch to the Saders.

The arrival of Henson would provide a huge publicity boost for Cru as the club continues to struggle to reach the required break-even attendance figure of 4,500.

What do you think? Leave a comment below or join in the debate on the messageboard.

The Sun claims Henson as quit rugby union

Discussion started by CruXIII (IP Logged), 13/07/2009 12:15

CruXIII
13/07/2009 12:15

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stevec
13/07/2009 13:07

Trying to duck to avoid the swarms of flying pigs.......

This is a story that will not fly (IMHO) however it is spun out. The "Henson/Church" brand needs a bit of a push so up pops a story about him quitting. As for him then joining CC, well I just can't see it. If he still has the appetite for a contact sport then surely he'd do it in the better paid ranks of the RU and not in a new sport where every guy would be 'gunning for him'.

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Terrace-Culture
13/07/2009 16:39

Fair points, Steve.

Perhaps he's just sick of the set-up in Union though?

Certaintly, he'd be a star at the Crusaders and would get loads of publicity and attention; where as a few Union fans have had enough of him.

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stevec
13/07/2009 18:14

He'd be a star to us yes, but he might as well paint a bulls-eye on his chest/face for the others! You can just see the likes of Senior, et al, lining up to 'welcome' him to the code.

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Terrace-Culture
13/07/2009 18:30

That is true. The transition would be difficult for him. It's much harder to hide in a League game than Union: and he's not been fit for a long time.
I'm all in favour of the publicity it could bring the club though. Shane Williams has also not ruled out the possibility of a move in the future.
If the Cru works, I think we'll be getting a few "past it" Welsh Union stars extending their careers a couple of years by moving to Super League.

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stevec
13/07/2009 18:33

it would be in the face of the 'usual' practice where aging RL stars spend their retirement in RU.

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GibCruGib
13/07/2009 18:49

whilst union is bigger then league in wales; we can expect to get their cast-offs for the time being.
i wouldn't like to see any of the forwards in union trying to get involved though. can you imagine the likes of john yapp trying to have a go?

gibcrugib

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stevec
13/07/2009 20:55

I'd give someone like Andy Powell a trial if he came knocking, possibly even Gethin Jenkins (for his carrying and tackling rather than any need to scrummage) but it is hard to see (as ever) many other forwards making a change; it is just too different.

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40:20
17/07/2009 16:05

I'd not complain if Gavin's missus was in the pack !

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