WALES’ 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam hero Gavin Henson could yet sign for the Newport Gwent Dragons and be reunited with his old friend Lyn Jones.

That’s the opinion of Newport’s new captain Lee Beach who worked with the pair at both the Ospreys and London Welsh.

Henson has been linked with a move to the Dragons more than once in the past and with Jones installed as the region’s new director of rugby it’s all the more likelier to happen.

The former Toulon and Cardiff Blues centre and outside-half is a household name and has never been far from the headlines in his chequered high profile career.

It has long been accepted that the 31-year-old has failed to live up to his enormous potential despite winning the two Grand Slams and 33 caps with his country.

Used to the media spotlight as the former partner of singing star Charlotte Church, Henson was splashed all over the tabloids again last month not long after he signed for his new club Bath.

His misfortune became an online sensation after a humiliating episode while ‘bonding’ on a night out with teammates.

Henson was knocked out by back rower Carl Fearns in Bath city centre pub the Pig and Fiddle, the punch caught on video and subsequently viewed by thousands of people via the Internet .

As a result of the ruckus, both he and Fearns were fined and warned over their future conduct by Bath. No action was taken by the police.

Newport back rower Beach knows the 2005 British and Irish Lion – who left Toulon and the Blues under a cloud – well and thinks he still has plenty left to offer.

He isn’t ruling out Henson coming to the Dragons in the future where he would join up again with Jones who coached him at the Ospreys as his career took off and at London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership last season.

Beach thinks the former Strictly Come Dancing’s self-belief is often mistaken for arrogance.

“Gavin is full of confidence which some people take for big headedness,” said Beach who has joined Newport from London Welsh for the new season.

“We’ve discovered recently that he can’t take a punch! He’s learnt that the hard way.

“When he came to London Welsh, it took him a while to get going (after injury problems) but he soon showed his class.

“He could kick the ball miles and he could create gaps for players – his distribution is top class.

“He is such a professional in his approach to training, diet and looking after himself.”

Beach added: “I am surprised Gavin didn’t come to the Dragons with Lyn, but I think it’s a case of ‘watch this space’.

“Gavin likes Lyn, and Lyn likes Gavin. When he’s on form, Gavin’s still a very capable player.”