Welsh rugby legends label Gavin Henson's kit pose 'pathetic'
WELSH rugby legends have hit out at the decision to use Gavin Henson to promote the new Wales kit.
An enormous poster of Henson in the shirt was unveiled at the Millennium Stadium — despite the player still being on unpaid leave and getting ready to appear in Strictly Come Dancing.
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A banner showing Gavin Henson in the new Wales rugby kit.
THE Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to market the new Wales shirt with a 100ft poster of Gavin Henson draped over the outside of the Millennium Stadium has been branded pathetic.
Wales players were taken aback after the unveiling of the giant-sized image of a player who hasn’t played the game in 18 months and whose latest dive into celebrity waters has seen him confirmed as a contestant in the new run of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jamie Roberts, Wales’s inside centre for much of last season, wrote on Twitter: “Is this an insult to current Welsh international players ... wonder what the Welsh public will think?”
Roberts was that animated over the issue that WRU chief executive Roger Lewis reportedly had to make efforts to placate him at the press call to publicise the new kit.
And legends from the 1970s today queued up to suggest the union had scored a spectacular own goal in opting to use Henson as their Millennium Stadium poster-boy instead of the likes of Roberts, Shane Williams, James Hook, Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones or Martyn Williams.
Hooking great Bobby Windsor declared: “I cannot understand who would decide something as stupid as that.
“It’s pathetic and I do not blame the players for being angry, using a guy who has walked away from the game.”
Allan Martin, second row in the same all-conquering team as Windsor, said: “I would say it’s a poor choice to use Gavin for such a key poster.
“It isn’t as if they are short of alternatives, with Shane, Alun Wyn Jones, Mike Phillips, Jamie Roberts and James Hook in the Wales squad.
“There’s also Martyn Williams, one of the greatest Welsh back rowers in history — all those boys deserve exposure for what they’ve done for Wales over the years.
“Those players are icons, role models for youngsters to look up to. By contrast, Gavin has dropped out of the game, so in that respect I don’t think he fits the bill as a rugby role model.”
The WRU defended the use of Henson’s image by saying the new jersey was for everyone, including stars past and present.
But Henson currently inhabits a rugby limbo, neither here nor there, promising to come back but doing little to bring a comeback about.
Even so, Lewis said: “This jersey is the stuff of dreams and Gavin is dreaming of putting this jersey on. We are all looking forward to him putting his boots back on one day.”
None of which would have impressed Roberts, who, asked would he be watching his ex-Wales team-mate on Strictly Come Dancing, said: “I do not watch it. I have better things to do.”
Of the use of Henson for the king-sized Millennium Stadium poster, the Blues, Wales and Lions midfield man said: “It’s an interesting choice, to say the least.
“His profile is high at the moment and the union have decided to use that.
“But whether Gavin Henson returns to rugby remains to be seen.
“He’s a talented player but I’m sure if he comes back he’ll have to earn his place in the Wales side just like any other player.
“He’s no different to any other player in that respect. He’ll have to train hard and play well for his club and earn the right to play for Wales again.”
Warren Gatland is said to have given his approval to use Henson as a central figure in the marketing campaign, despite the risk to squad morale.
Speaking just a drop-kick away from the image, Shane Williams added: “It is strange, especially as Gav is busy with other things at the moment. It does take you back a little bit. It took us by surprise.”
Adam Jones said: “It’s strange. There are players here like Shane and Jamie who are probably just as famous.”
27 Comments
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by julia, neath
Monday, September 13 2010, 6:05PM
“personally I think he looks good in it - but Mike Phillips would have looked better though! :-)”
by Philip, Swansea
Saturday, September 11 2010, 12:35AM
“The Taffia - But you did ask him for a photo which is just as obtuse.
I don't believe that Henson's arrogance lies simply on the events of 2005. He was spoken highly of a couple of years previous but was given time to mature as a player.
The fact remains that on his day he was a world XV player, perhaps more advice should have been taken from players like Shane Williams and Neil Jenkins on how to live with such accolade.”
by The Taffia, Kent
Friday, September 10 2010, 8:17PM
“If you read the article, there is no mention of me asking for an autograph!!! The point I was making was that he had this contempt and big head just cos of one kick against england.
Since then he has thought he is bigger than our region and the game”
by Philip, Swansea
Friday, September 10 2010, 5:17PM
“The Taffia, Kent - I do have some sympathy for him, there are plenty of opportunities for players to sign autographs and pose for photos inside the ground and at special events, why did you feel the need to impede his time outside of the stadium?”
by gav, in"th"stands
Friday, September 10 2010, 10:30AM
“the taffia
sharup mun!!
you actin like a spoiled pratt just because the man would not sign an autograph for you!!”
by charlotte, on"th"stage
Friday, September 10 2010, 9:30AM
“taffia th mafia
i agree with "gav in the stands"your just a childish spoiled brat just cos gavin did not sign a autograph 4u an you brats i also agree with gav he is a legend in his own boots in his 4x4 merc car ya boo!!!”
by The Taffia, Kent
Friday, September 10 2010, 8:22AM
“I had the misfortune to have met this individual a few weeks after Wales won the 2005 Grand Slam, when I went with my family to watch Ospreys v Ulster at the old St Helen¿s.
Henson didn¿t play due to a groin injury, but as we were leaving the ground he was parked in his Merc 4x4 near the Cricketers.
I asked if I could take a photo for my daughter, which he begrudgingly allowed without even taking the trouble to smile. I then noticed that he was refusing to sign autographs for the many kiddies that were approaching him. I asked him why, whilst reminding him that these youngsters would be the gate fees for the future and supporting him when the time comes for his testimonial.
Henson¿s response was ¿I¿m a legend mate¿ !
I asked him to repeat what he had just said, which he did and added that he had kicked the winning goal against England in the six nations. I acknowledged that, but also reminded him that during the same campaign, Italy charged down his kick to score their only try of the match; no one is infallible, but legend status is not awarded after one kick.
He that said ¿I¿ve just told you, mate, I¿m a f*****g legend¿ to which I responded that he was something else.
Legend status is earned, not found in the bottom of a fake tan bottle!
Later that year, I was pleased to find that Clive Woodward attempted to bring him down to earth by omitting him from the British Lions Test side.
I thought that this would be a learning curve for him, but no! This individual thinks that he is bigger than the game.
Good riddance and may he get everything that he deserves !”
by Whitoprys, sketty
Friday, September 10 2010, 12:06AM
“Having watched the guy play rugby from the age of 16.I coud`nt believe the talent that was on show.My wife and I have lost several friends in our defence of Gav.during heated auguments over the last year or so.After the latest debacle. Re- strictly and the poster and his attitude towards the Ospreys I hope that everything he attempts come to nothing.And I say that with a very heavy heart.RIP,,,, Gav”
by Martin, west cross
Thursday, September 09 2010, 9:43PM
“Appalling decision by the management at WRU - but it's not the first time. Yet again we are the laughing stock of World rugby. Would the English, Irish, New Zealand or South African rugby unions make such a stupid decision? Would any of them snub loyal, professional players in favour of a self promoting ballroom dancer to advertise their shirts? Would any of those unions undervalue any of their players in favour of one who had chosen to turn his back on his club and country? Would any of those unions think that someone in Hensons position be the best person to represent the proud tradition of Welsh rugby? ... NO. We don't need him, either at Ospreys or the WRU and so - please - do the sensible thing. Remove the poster and replace him with one of the two dozen or so stars who deserve to be there.”
by geoff, Westcross
Thursday, September 09 2010, 8:41PM
“Good business all round i say gavin gets a pay packet and the W.R.U get to make a packet on the kit The insurance company make a packet oh,and im going to make a packet with the bookie on Wales doing well in all competition this season!!”