Henson signs for Toulon

Rugby:Gavin Henson has completed his move to Toulon after the Welsh centre was released from his Saracens contract after just one start for the Premiership side.

"Wales international Gavin Henson has signed a contract at Toulon as a 'medical wildcard' for Clement Marienval," the French club said in a statement.

The 31-cap centre made just four appearances for Saracens since making his debut as a replacement against Wasps on St Stephen’s Day at Wembley.

The 29-year-old, who will join England internationals Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Sackey at Toulon, had hoped that his return to the game would be enough to convince Wales head coach Warren Gatland to include him in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations championship.

But a calf injury suffered almost three weeks ago against Leinster in the Heineken Cup extinguished his hopes of selection.

Henson had also voiced his concern at not being given any game time at Saracens in his preferred positions of outhalf and inside centre.

Saracens instead opted to use the 2005 Lions tourist as an outside centre with Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt filling their inside-back positions.

Toulon had been on the lookout for cover for Marienval, while they also have space in their squad following the loss of Felipe Contepomi to injury and Wilkinson, who is away on Six Nations duty with England.

The move should allow Henson to play in his preferred roles and boost his chances of making a first World Cup appearance in New Zealand later this year.

He also joins a growing Welsh contingent who will ply their trade in France.

Former Ospreys team-mates James Hook and Lee Byrne have recently confirmed their moves to Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne respectively, with scrumhalf Mike Phillips also being linked with a move overseas.