Gavin Henson, the Wales centre who was reported last month to be on the verge of quitting rugby, has insisted he will be back in action soon after recovering from the latest in a series of frustrating injuries.

An ankle ligament problem ruled Henson out of the Lions tour of South Africa in June and July and it was subsequently claimed the Ospreys back was so disillusioned that he was planning to retire at the age of 27.

Henson denied the reports at the time but the issue resurfaced when he was not involved in his Welsh regional side's friendly victory over Leeds on Saturday, prompting another statement from the player.

"I fully anticipate returning to the Ospreys before too long, having finally overcome the injuries that have been a recurring problem for nearly three years," he said.

"I am grateful to the Ospreys' management for providing me with the time needed for these injuries to be finally dealt with.

"I am looking forward to getting on with my playing career at the Ospreys just as soon as I can."

The Ospreys play their first competitive match of the season, a Celtic League opener against Irish outfit Connacht, on September 4. Wales have no matches until their November programme, which includes Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

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Sapa-AFP

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