Ospreys tell Widnes Henson is going nowhere

Dec 13 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THE OSPREYS have issued a “hands-off” warning to Widnes Vikings over alleged attempts to tempt Wales international centre Gavin Henson to rugby league.

Ospreys director of rugby Kevin Hopkins has rubbished talk of the player switching codes and claims Henson is staying put.

“Gavin is going nowhere,” Hopkins said. “He is our player and we are happy with his contribution. We have got a good squad and the last thing we would want to do is reduce the quality of it.

“It doesn’t shock me that there are clubs supposedly interested in Gavin.

“We haven’t had a formal approach for him, but, if we did, for any player, we would evaluate it and decide what to do.”

The Vikings have had contact with the Welshman in the past when the club contacted the player’s agent in a bid to lure him to Widnes in 2003. Former head coach Neil Kelly was interested in speaking to the youngster before he made his name with Wales. Kelly, then Wales RL coach , had spotted the up-and-coming Henson while on a scouting mission.

A Vikings spokesman said the club would not rule out a future approach for the star if the club was granted a Super League licence in 2009, but confirmed no contact has been made. He said: “We have not been in contact with him or his agent. However, should we get a Super League licence for 2009, Gavin Henson is the type of player we would be looking to attract.”

Meanwhile, the Vikings have appointed the experienced Tony O’Brien as strength and conditioner for 2008.