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Henson’s Wales recall hopes fading

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Wales back Gavin Henson maintains he is a ‘million miles’ away from an international recall as his bid to relaunch his career with London Welsh suffered a setback..

Wales back Gavin Henson maintains he is a ‘million miles’ away from an international recall as his bid to relaunch his career with London Welsh suffered a setback..

The 30-year-old is expected to be out for at least six weeks after suffering a  fractured cheekbone playing for the Exiles’ in their 23-17 pre-season friendly defeat to the Scarlets in Llanelli.

Henson has been dogged by injuries and unflattering off-field attention since helping Wales win the 2005 RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam.

Groin and ankle problems resulted in him taking a break from the game after the 2009 RBS 6 Nations and he missed last year’s World Cup after breaking his wrist against England in a warm-up match.

In a bid to relaunch his career he has had a spate  of clubs including the Ospreys, Saracens, Toulon and the Cardiff Blues where he was fired by the region on disciplinary grounds after drink-fuelled misbehaviour  on a team flight from Glasgow.

Henson’s last international appearance was in Wales’ victory over England in August 2011 and he believes that the strength and depth in the squad would make it difficult for him to receive another call-up.

He said:  “I was in good condition in pre-season last year and then broke my wrist and that put me back a fair way. In terms of playing for Wales again, I’d never say no. But I am a million miles away from that.

“I nearly sneaked onto that plane to the World Cup but it wasn’t to be. It is a good squad there though, and it doesn’t need me whatsoever.

“I can understand the perception of me, but I’m totally focused on rugby and have been since I came back to the game. It’s just that things haven’t worked out for one reason or another.

“I had a lot of fun and good experiences when I had my time off, but I have stuck with it since coming back. It has been tough but I just hope I can do my talking on the field here.”