Six Nations: Gavin Henson eager for game time in Toulon

Gavin Henson is desperate to get started after being given a "massive opportunity" at Toulon.

The versatile Welsh back yesterday joined the French Top 14 side as a "medical wildcard" to cover Clement Marienval, having been released from his contract at Saracens after just one start for the club.

The 29-year-old will join England internationals Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Sackey at Toulon and is particularly excited about the link-up with Wilkinson. "It was just a massive opportunity for me. I couldn't really pass up on it," Henson said.

The former Lion had been largely used as an outside centre during his four appearances for Saracens and is looking forward to reverting to his favoured inside centre or fly-half role.

"(Director of rugby] Philippe (Saint-Andre] was really keen for me to play 12 at Toulon and more or less start playing next week," he added.

"(I'll] also cover 10 when Jonny's not there, and to obviously play alongside Jonny Wilkinson, that is going to be amazing. I couldn't really pass on this and obviously the weather is pretty good down here. I think it's going to be great for me and I can't wait to start on Monday with them."

Henson had hoped his return to the game would be enough to convince Wales head coach Warren Gatland to include him in his squad for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations. But a calf injury suffered almost three weeks ago against Leinster in the Heineken Cup extinguished his hopes of selection.

The move to France should however boost Henson's chances of making a first World Cup appearance in New Zealand later this year. And that was welcomed by Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards, who says Henson needs to follow the example of Andy Powell if he is to rediscover his best form.

Powell will start at No 8 in this evening's Six Nations opener against England in Cardiff and Edwards, who coaches Powell at Wasps, said: "Andy Powell is an example of a guy who needed to play regular rugby to find his best form.

"Ideally the Welsh public would like to see Gavin play his rugby in Wales, but Andy was a guy who was not wanted in Wales and he moved on and has returned in fine fettle. Let's hope that Gavin has an injury-free run."

Saracens, who released Henson at his own request on Wednesday, wished the player well on his departure for pastures new.

Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths said: "In a sense it's unfortunate, but there's no hard feelings and we wish him all the best."

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