Welsh wonder Gavin Henson in shock link with Widnes Vikings

Dec 13 2007 by Alex Turner, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WELSH wizard Gavin Henson is at the centre of rabid speculation linking him with an ambitious approach from the Widnes Vikings.

Any move for the player would be for next season and would not be dependent on the Vikings being handed a Super League licence next summer.

Utility-back Henson, who plays rugby union for the Ospreys and has 23 Welsh caps, made his Test debut in 2001 but his performances for the national side haven’t always lived up to his high-profile billing.

He was not selected in the Wales squad for the 2007 World Cup, mainly because he failed to prove his fitness.

The 25-year-old was first linked with the Vikings in 2003.

And if he did come north, he would be the next in a long line of union converts that includes Widnes heroes Johnathan Davies and Martin Offiah.

He may find some encouragement in making a brave crossover following the success of his wife, singer Charlotte Church, who switched from opera to pop.

And the reduced glare of the national media may also be attractive to the father-of-one.

Henson was recently charged by police with disorderly conduct after a post-match train journey.

The Welsh international, who has two years left on his contract with the Ospreys, would not come cheap and would be highly sought-after in both codes if he became available.

His club have dismissed the reports as pure speculation, a spokesperson saying: “Gavin is not going anywhere”.

However, two players who will be Vikings next season are full-back Ian Hardman and 23-year-old former Warrington Wolves and Rochdale Hornets prop John Pickersgill.

Widnes-born Hardman, who turned 22 last Thursday, has joined on a season-long loan from Challenge Cup holders St Helens.

He made his Super League debut in August 2003 and has gone on to score 11 tries in his 51 appearances.

But the former West Bank ARL youngster was only a spectator at the Challenge Cup and Grand Finals in 2006 and was loaned out to Hull KR in 2007, playing 18 times for the Robins.

Vikings fans have grounds for optimism after last week’s fans’ forum – but were left in doubt that they were key to the Vikings future.

Steve O’Connor led his management team through a polished presentation but stressed that they could only take the club so far without support from the town’s fans.

O’Connor confirmed Stobart Group were the club’s main sponsors for the forthcoming season, and their logo would appear on the Vikings’ Nike kits.

The O’Connor Group logo will be on the back of the Vikings’ shirts while Halton Borough Council will appear on the shorts.

Vikings owner-chairman also announced the ground would be known as the Stobart Stadium Halton after the transport group signed a five-year deal with the council for a ‘substantial’ but undisclosed fee.

O’Connor said: “We are looking at every aspect of the Vikings’ operation to ensure the long-term future of rugby league in Widnes.

“This is a fresh start for the club and we wanted to develop a new, modern look in keeping with the demands of the 21st century.

“Widnes has a fantastic heritage and that’s a great foundation to build upon.

“Now our aim is to bring financial stability to the club and use that as a springboard to seek a return to those glorious days, not that long ago, when the town boasted the best club side in the world.’