CHRIS KIRWAN SAYS: Great to see Gav back, but a shame it's over the border (From South Wales Argus)

CHRIS KIRWAN SAYS: Great to see Gav back, but a shame it's over the border

10:50am Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport

CHRIS KIRWAN SAYS: Great to see Gav back, but a shame it's over the border

BOX office, something that regional rugby is lacking and Gavin Henson has in abundance.

While the Welsh talent drain shows no sign of abating, one of the country's most gifted players is having to ply his trade over the Severn Bridge after finding himself without a home.

Granted, at times Henson hasn't helped himself with his behaviour, but he is good enough to slot into all of the regional squads.

His class shone through on debut for London Welsh last Sunday. He may not possess the cuteness when kicking out of hand that you'd like from a fly-half – too often he just whacks the ball downfield – but he is capable of spotting a pass in a manner that few can.

He provides something different among all the robots, combing physicality with vision, possessing the ability to unleash players in outside channels.

Would the Dragons' Tom Prydie, Tonderai Chavhanga, Adam Hughes, Will Harries and Dan Evans thrive with Henson at 10 or 12? Of course they would.

They're not the only ones that would be rubbing their hands with glee if Henson was at Rodney Parade.

The ticket office has been caught by surprise by demand triggered by Newport County's success this season. How the Dragons would love that same buzz.

The region barely causes a ripple when it comes to media coverage outside of Gwent but they would be featured in the national papers, complete pictures of Henson with the interestly-shaped logo of their main sponsor across his chest.

There’s great interest in each and every chapter of The Gav Story and he could brighten up humdrum Pro12 encounters.

Perhaps he simply wanted to head over to England and resume his partnership with London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones.

Perhaps the way that previous teams have given him the boot means clubs err on the side of caution.

But it seems daft that at a time when the regions are struggling to generate revenue and are struggling to produce the goods on the pitch, one of the most marketable and talented Welsh players is turning out in England after everyone passed on him.