Eurosport - Fri, 17 Oct 10:12:00 2008
Eurosport rugby expert Neil Back believes Gavin Henson can still play a crucial role for Wales in the November internationals, despite the recent problems with his club.
I don't know the ins and outs of why Gavin Henson was dropped for two games by the Ospreys, but if I was his coach I would try to address the problem by asking him one question: how does he want to be remembered?
The answer to that question is likely to be in a positive way. I'm pretty sure Gavin will want to be remembered in a good light, as a player who gave his all for club and country and made the most of his talents, which in his case are considerable.
As his coach, I would then ask him how best I can help him achieve that; how the club and coaches can help him be the best player he can possible be.
I often remind my players that they have a very short time at the top of the game and that they must make the most of the years that they are at their peak. They should have no regrets when they look back on their careers.
In my own career, I was very fortunate to be part of a club that won everything in the northern hemisphere and a national team that won the Grand Slam and World Cup.
But the success aside, I know I can still look back and say I did everything in my power to make myself the best player I could be.
I have no regrets and that's something Gavin will want to be able to say when he looks back on his career.
Being able to take criticism is part of the modern game, and there are ways to impart criticism. I tell my players that I am going to be very critical of them. But I also stress that the reason for this is because I care.
I make this clear in advance so that when I pull them up on something they take it in a positive way. They then know it's because I want them to be a better player.
Gavin will know that he let his club down by being absent for training; they missed him in the defeat at Leicester and could do with his services against a powerful Perpignan side in the next round of the Heineken Cup.
I got to know Gavin a little bit on the 2005 Lions Tour and, as I have said before in this blog, I was impressed with him. He was in great shape, took care of his nutrition and had a good attitude.
I think Gavin can still play a crucial role for Wales in the autumn series. Fitness will not be an issue despite the lack of game time. He has the support of Wales' conditioning coach Craig White, who is one of the best in the business.
Gavin's ability has never been in doubt. But if he wants to leave a positive legacy, then I believe he should keep asking himself how he wants to be remembered.
Comment 1 - 2 of 2
Neil Back is still a cheat !!
Gavin needs to move to a region that will use his talents wisely and have the people in place who can develop with him. This is clearly not the Ospreys.
The Blues have supported the interests of the National side by playing their men in positions requested by the National Coach and actually benefitting from these decisions.
Therefore I recommend Gavin moves to a Region with greater vision i.e the Blues.
John (Swansea)
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