Henson joins Cardiff Blues on 8-month contract

The arrival of the 29-year-old bolsters the Blues’ squad ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for the naming of Heineken Cup squads, and secures Henson’s return to Wales after playing for Saracens and Toulon last term in the wake of his departure from the Ospreys.

In a Cardiff Blues statement, Henson said: “I’ve been saying I wanted to play back in Wales and I’m glad of the opportunity that Cardiff Blues have given me. I just want to do everything I can to make them happy and enjoy my rugby. I’m glad I’ve signed here.”

Henson, who has 33 Wales caps to his name and toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005, left the Ospreys in October 2010, negotiating a release from his contract after going on an extended period of unpaid leave.

He admits it will be strange to run out against the region he spent seven years with, but is excited about the prospect of linking up with the Blues.

“There’s been huge rivalry between the Blues and the Ospreys over the years, and I’ve been part of that, so to leave and join the Blues is a bit strange,” he said. “I’m sure when I meet up with all the boys it will be fine as I know most of them. When I do run out for my first game for the Blues, I will be Blues through and through.

“It’s my first time at the stadium and the facilities I’ve seen at the Blues, from the training facility to the stadium, are incredible. It’s a very exciting time for me.”

After leaving the Ospreys Henson agreed a deal to join Aviva Premiership side Saracens, but made just four appearances for them before switching to Toulon. He initially made an encouraging start to his time in France, scoring a try on his debut, but was also suspended for a week after being involved in a nightclub altercation with two team-mates.

He was named in Wales’ provisional 45-man squad for the World Cup and won his first international caps for two years against the Barbarians and England in the summer, but a wrist injury suffered in the latter game ended his hopes of going to New Zealand.

But Henson says his recovery from the problem is going well, and that he could be back on the field in a couple of weeks. “The wrist is coming along all right,” he said.

“Obviously it was a nightmare injury for me, but I’m two weeks out of plaster now, so maybe a couple of weeks before I’m back on the pitch. It was nightmare timing getting that injury just before the World Cup, but these things happen.”