Gavin Henson insists he can still strut his stuff alongside the best in Welsh rugby after agreeing to join Newport Gwent Dragons next season.
The former Wales centre, now 35, has signed a two-year contract and will leave current club Bristol this summer.
Henson has managed only five appearances for the Aviva Premiership club this season due to knee and shoulder injuries. But his influence is still capable of deciding matches and only last month he delivered a man-of-the-match display as Bristol beat rivals Bath for the first time in a decade.
After that game, Henson revealed he was still hopeful of staying at the West Country club and was eager to be offered another contract.
But Bristol’s decision to sign Irish international fly-half Ian Madigan from Bordeaux last week appeared to suggest Henson’s time with the club could be at an end.
Now, he has opted to join the Dragons who have been keen to tempt him back to Welsh rugby for some time.
“I have really enjoyed my time here at Bristol but when the opportunity came along to join the Dragons and return to Wales, I couldn’t say no,” said Henson.
“I’m especially looking forward to pitting myself against the current Wales players, and hopefully becoming a catalyst and mentor for the tremendous talent that is in the Dragons squad. I still have loads to offer and I know what Kingsley [Jones] wants.’
Henson joined Bristol in 2015 after spending time with London Welsh and Bath, while he has also played for Saracens, Toulon and Cardiff Blues having started his regional career in Wales with the Ospreys.
“This is a hugely important signing and exactly what we need,’ added Dragons head coach Jones.
“I am delighted that Gavin sees the potential within the Region and that he is excited about the prospect of assisting this group of backs with their development.
“Having worked with Gavin previously I am fully aware that he will bring critical experience on the field and inside the training environment.”
The double Six Nations Grand Slam winner won the last of his 33 Wales caps in 2011 against England and he also featured in one Test for the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
