It has been a torrid few weeks for the Cardiff Blues. They have lost Sam Warburton for their Heineken Cup joust with Leinster. They were pummelled by Glasgow 31-3 and to add insult to injury one of the best British inside centres of the last decade has also been ruled out of the quarter final clash in Dublin. Indeed Jamie Roberts is a huge loss for the Blues.
However it is another inside centre who has been making all the headlines this week. Gavin Henson was sacked by the Blues for drunken behaviour on the return home from Cardiff's defeat to Glasgow. Whilst I was never his biggest fan it really is a shame to see such a potentially excellent player casually throw away his talent in such a careless manner.
This is the third outfit that Henson has left now in just over a year. How many rugby players play for three clubs in their career never mind in a year? As well as that he only played four games for Saracens who had thrown his erratic and stale career a lifeline before jumping ship when he found out Toulon had come calling for his signature. It is a clear portrayal of a selfish player who only thinks about himself and holds no loyalty to those he shares a field with.
This is further emphasised by all the arguments and bust ups he has endured with previous teammates. He was disciplined by Toulon for mocking Jonny Wilkinson as well the club captain Joe Van Niekerk. Added to that he also had to apologise to his Welsh team mates following comments he made in his own book after the 2005 season where Wales won the Grand Slam and Henson played an important role in their success.
Interestingly another former Lions player and English World Cup winner who toured with Henson to New Zealand in 2005 did not hold back in his criticism of the former Wales star on Twitter. For it was Matt Dawson who asked why any club would ever think of "wasting their time and money" on Henson.
He also reveals that he would not have Henson down to lace the boots of Jamie Roberts or Brian O'Driscoll whilst he also questions Henson's general form by asking when he last showed any talent. Undoubtedly many former professionals can casually come out and criticise modern day players but for an old teammate to do so says a lot for Henson.
Many may point out that he does have two Grand Slam medals but that is also besides the point. It is more so about maximising the talent that was given to him. Yes he has two Grand Slams, but he could have three. He could have been the difference between Wales narrowly losing to France in the World Cup Semi Final and them facing off with a nervy New Zealand for the Webb Ellis trophy.
Without doubt he could do no worse than look to the man he has often undermined in his extended absences to see how a professional goes about his business. Jamie Roberts may not be the most skillful of players, but he is a hard running, intelligent and athletic animal who does what is best for the team. This was conveyed at its best when both he and Brian O'Driscoll wreaked have on the Springboks in the 2009 Lions tour whilst he also played a key role in Wales' world cup run and this season's Grand Slam.
Indeed if you had to ask any Welsh player who they would prefer standing beside them in the trenches when the going gets tough on a wet winter's day in New Zealand or when a fluent French side begin turning the screw,who do you think they would pick; Henson or Roberts?
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