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Rugby Union

Henson signs new Ospreys deal

21/07/2008

Gavin Henson has committed his future to the Ospreys by signing a new three-year contract.

The 26-year-old Welsh international centre has been with the club since its inception in 2003, and is the record points scorer with 773 in 88 appearances.

Henson is currently recovering from ankle surgery and is not expected to return until September.

But he said he is "delighted" with his new contract, adding: "I wouldn't want to play rugby anywhere else."

He continued: "I'm an ambitious person and I want to win things and the Ospreys share my ambitions.

"There's a real buzz about the place at the moment, everybody is looking forward to the new season and to building on our achievements last season.

"For me personally, there was a lot to be pleased about over the course of the season, even if it ended early because of injury, and I can't wait to get back into action as soon as possible and hopefully help both the Ospreys and Wales onto more success."

The elite performance director at the Liberty Stadium Andrew Hore described the agreement with Henson as "fantastic news for both the Ospreys and Gavin".

"He is a performance-driven player who can make that vital difference in tight games through his self belief, as he has shown so often for the region and for Wales, and we are delighted that he sees his future at the Liberty Stadium," Hore continued.

"As he has matured, he has continued to improve, and he now holds a senior leadership role within the Ospreys and is thriving on the responsibility.

"What is clear to see is that he is a dedicated professional, who is 100 per cent committed to doing the right thing for himself and for the region.

"The changes to his life off the field have been so positive for his game on the field and he is proactively looking to improve his personal environment and performance."

Henson is the sixth Welsh international to sign a long-term deal with the Ospreys in recent weeks, following the deals agreed with Jonathan Thomas, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne, Paul James and Huw Bennett.

Former All-Black Filo Tiatia and youngsters Ben Lewis, Ed Shervington, Leigh Bevan, Gareth Owen and Rhys Webb have also committed their futures to the region this summer.