New head coach Bernard Jackman has told all his players that he will select on what he has seen during training and Henson has impressed everyone with his fitness, commitment and leadership since returning to Wales from Bristol.
“When I went to meet Gavin before we started pre-season I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after we’d spent three hours talking I discovered he is a rugby anorak just like me,” said Jackman.
“I rang my mates and told them just how impressive I thought Gavin was. He is the ultimate professional and that feeling has been re-enforced 10 fold in training – his GPS scores are up there with any of our younger players and if he’s fit he can be a match winner for us.
“Gavin is really gifted and you simply can’t coach what he has got. He’s a more mature man now with a point to prove coming back home to Wales and I’m looking to him to help bring on our younger players, like Angus O’Brien, Dorian Jones and Arwel Robson.”
The Dragons are taking up to 40 players with them to France for a five day training camp that will culminate in the Friday night clash with Vern Cotter’s new-look Montpellier side a week before they open their Top 14 account. The following day another group will head to Franklin’s Gardens to take on Northampton Saints.
Another summer signing, former South Africa and Leinster full back Zane Kirchner, will also get his first taste of action with his new team mates and is likely to figure in the clash against Saints. It is a tough assignment for Jackman and his men meeting two of Europe’s top sides back-to-back, but one the new coach is looking forward to.
“It’s going to be hard to manage, but pre-season is just about getting minutes and making sure everyone gets a fair crack to show they should be in for the first game,” added Jackman.
“Montpellier have a star-studded side and our game against them will be their final prep for their Top ’14 opener the next weekend. That will be a challenge – and Northampton are no duds either.
“The team for Montpellier will be based on what we have seen in pre-season. We’ll then send 14 players back from Montpellier on Friday to meet up with a group that has stayed behind.
“The coaches will then fly to Northampton on Saturday. That means those playing against Northampton can still be judged, although we will also take into account that it’s not an ideal situation because they will have very little time to train together.”
