Saracens sign up Henson

Rugby:Saracens have confirmed the signing of Wales star Gavin Henson. The 28-year-old will link up with the Aviva Premiership club after the Ospreys "reluctantly agreed" to release him from the remaining seven months of his contract at the Swansea-based region.

Henson has not played rugby since going on unpaid leave from the Ospreys 18 months ago following the latest in a series of injury setbacks.

Saracens have not yet revealed the length of Henson's contract with them, or when he might make his debut, but he trained with his new club for the first time earlier this week.

Henson is currently appearing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing series, a commitment that could last until Christmas. Saracens say they recognise Henson's ongoing commitment to the programme, adding: "The player's path back to full match fitness will dovetail with his participation in the show."

Henson, who won the last of his 31 Wales caps during the 2009 Six Nations Championship, said he was "genuinely delighted" to be joining Saracens.

"They have created a special vibe at the club, and to be honest, just being around them has rekindled my enthusiasm for the sport." he said. "They are bold and innovative, and they're positive and ambitious.

"I know I still have so much to give to rugby, and I can't wait to get back on the field, playing for Saracens and hopefully for Wales.

"Now it's time to start working hard, getting back to match fitness as soon as possible and then to let my rugby do all the talking."

Henson could find himself primarily being used as an outhalf at Vicarage Road. Saracens have moved quickly to recruit him after their South African number 10 Derick Hougaard suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the Heineken Cup defeat against Leinster at Wembley earlier this month.

Saracens rugby director Brendan Venter added: "Gavin is a special talent. We are delighted he has chosen to launch the next phase of his career with us. We believe he will enjoy our environment, on and off the field, and that will be great news for our supporters and for Welsh rugby."

In an official statement, Saracens thanked the Ospreys and the Welsh region's managing director Mike Cuddy "for the constructive approach in agreeing to release Henson from his contract in the wider interests of the player and of the game".

Speaking on Wednesday night, Cuddy said: "In the interests of Gavin personally, and for Welsh rugby in general, we have reluctantly agreed to his request to be released from his contract with immediate effect, enabling him to return to rugby with Saracens.

"I am disappointed and frustrated, both personally for myself and for the Ospreys, as one thing we would all want to see is Gavin Henson back in an Ospreys shirt. However, circumstances haven't allowed for that to happen, and it is necessary that we make the decision that we have in order to allow everyone to move forward from the current position.

"All rugby fans will look forward to seeing Gavin back on a rugby pitch, and we sincerely hope that he will be back in the red jersey of Wales before too long. With the Rugby World Cup taking place next year, no doubt that will be the focus of Gavin's efforts over the coming months. I know how strong Gavin's personal desire is to play at a World Cup. It has been a long-term ambition of his, and I certainly didn't want to be the person who prevented him from achieving that aim by standing in his way."

After this weekend's Premiership clash at home to Exeter, Saracens face LV= Cup ties against Northampton and Gloucester on November 7th and 13th, before resuming league action through appointments with Bath, Gloucester and Harlequins between November 21st and December 5th.

And although Henson has kept himself fit during a prolonged absence from rugby, match fitness is another matter. In terms of international rugby, Wales coach Warren Gatland will be delighted that Henson is to finally start playing again.

It is also worth noting, though, that Gatland's 33-man group picked for next month's Cardiff Tests against Australia, South Africa, Fiji and New Zealand does not currently include one player who plies his trade in the English Premiership.