Rugby: Henson faces race to fit into Wales' plans

GAVIN HENSON set his sights on a Wales return after making his comeback to professional rugby in Saracens' 13-7 win against Wasps.

But Henson faces a race against time. Wales open their Six Nations campaign against England on February 4 and coach Warren Gatland names his squad after the Heineken Cup games in mid-January.

The Saracens management want to ease Henson back into action as he returns from 21 months out of the game, some of which he spent forging a career in reality television.

Henson came on at outside centre yesterday but he is desperate for a chance to start at inside centre and prove to Gatland he is ready for Test rugby.

"The reason I got back into rugby was to play for my country. I would love to do it in the Six Nations but time is running out," said Henson.

"I need to start a game of rugby, and at 12 as well. I wouldn't have thought Wales are looking at me at 13. If anything, they are looking at me at 12.

"I felt pretty good out there. I didn't feel like I had been out for 21 months. I just need a bit more time out there and a bit more time with the ball in my hands, hopefully.

"I was at 13 and I have never really played there before. I think I prefer 12. I can get my hands on the ball a lot more."

Henson almost scored with his first touch of the ball after picking off an interception ten metres from the Wasps line but he was wrapped up by Joe Simpson and could not ground it.

Shaun Edwards, the Wasps head coach and Wales defence coach, was delighted to see Henson back in action.

"He looked good. He looked pretty sharp. You always want world class players like that, particularly from a Welsh angle," said Edwards.