The 29-year-old, who is currently without a club after failing to secure a new contract with wealthy French outfit Toulon last month, will start at inside centre in the match.
Henson has not represented Wales since the 2009 RBS 6 Nations campaign finale against Ireland, but he will now win his 32nd cap and have a chance to start pressing claims for World Cup squad selection later this summer.
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Hide AdEx-Ospreys star Henson had brief stints with Saracens and Toulon this season, his first competitive rugby since entering a self-imposed exile of more than 18 months from the game following repeated injury setbacks.
Appearances on two celebrity television programmes though, including the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, ensured he stayed in the media spotlight.
Gatland said: "It is an opportunity for players like Gavin to do his talking on the pitch."