You are in > manchester.com  > News > Injury rules Wales centre Henson out of South Africa tour

Rugby Union

Injury rules Wales centre Henson out of South Africa tour

01/05/2008

An injured ankle has ruled Wales centre Gavin Henson out of his country's summer tour of South Africa.

The 26-year-old damaged ligaments in his ankle during club side Ospreys' recent Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Saracens.

Despite having undergone immediate care, specialists have confirmed Henson will need keyhole surgery to repair the damage and will therefore be out for 12 weeks.

Shortly after the injury was sustained, Ospreys physio Chris Towers explained: "Gavin's injury hasn't responded to treatment as anticipated and so he was routinely reviewed by an ankle specialist.

"The best case scenario will see Gavin sidelined for a further four to six weeks, with no further action needing to be taken.

"However, if the examination reveals clinical instability then the plan will be to repair the ligament at that time, which would be likely to sideline Gavin for approximately 12 weeks."

However, after monitoring the injury the specialist ruled that surgery was the best option for Henson's long-term health.

The news means the centre will sit out the Ospreys' three remaining Magners League matches in addition to Wales' Test series in South Africa.

The Six Nations Grand Slam winners are due to play the world champions in Bloemfontein on June 7th and then in the capital, Pretoria, a week later.