GAVIN Henson has been backed to bring the best out of the Newport Gwent Dragons speedsters by a man who thrived thanks to the former Wales and Lions ace’s distribution.

The double Grand Slam winner is heading home from Bristol next season after agreeing a two-year deal with the Dragons.

Some have questioned whether Henson, 35, will provide value for money after an Aviva Premiership campaign that was ruined by injury.

But Matthew Morgan spent two seasons with the 33-times capped fly-half/centre at Bristol and knows from first-hand experience that Henson can help the likes of Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan and Ashton Hewitt flourish in space.

“I think Gav will be brilliant for the Dragons,” said the elusive Cardiff Blues full-back. “He has got loads of experience and is still a class player.

“He has got so much time on the ball and always seems to make the right decision at the right time.

“He is a great professional and I loved working with him at Bristol; I found he helped my game come on leaps and bounds. Either inside or outside him, he was a great player to play alongside.”

South Wales Argus:

Henson and former South Africa international Zane Kirchner, who can play in the back three or midfield, are the only confirmed signings by the Dragons so far.

However, chief executive Stuart Davies said after the green light was given for a takeover by the Welsh Rugby Union that more recruits will come.

“We still haven’t completed the shape of next season’s squad and this [takeover] means Kingsley can start having those conversations with a bit more certainty,” he said.

“It’s difficult with numbers because we are talking about a finite budget and how we want to carve it up, but I’d suggest that two to three players will probably be added to the squad before next season.”

Jones had held tentative talks with fly-half Ben Botica but the New Zealander, 27, has signed a two-year deal with Oyonnax after being released by Montpellier.