In Wales’ opening match of the 2005 Six Nations against England, centre Gavin Henson puts in a great performance, tackling, running and kicking all on top form.
He was man of the match and this win propelled Wales towards a Grand Slam.
Despite two Six Nations winner’s medals, Henson falls firmly into the category of those that failed to fulfill their potential.
But despite his love for hobnobbing with C-list celebrities, appearing on reality TV shows and bottled tan, all of which seemed to take precedence over his rugby, Henson actually didn’t have that bad a career.
He’s now running a pub back in Wales.
Commenting on Henson’s performance in 2005, one fan wrote: “Among the most talented players of world rugby; he was an excellent centre for Wales but could have achieved so much more.”
“Whenever you watch clips of him playing he just seems to manufacture so much time for himself on the ball, always looked like he was cruising when in fact he was at full pelt. A graceful player, one of the best centres of recent times. Forget the off field stuff, Gav was a rugby wizard.” another commented.
A third added: “The most gifted player wales have in the last 30 years. Version, power, pace, brave, great boot.”
“Controversy after controversy” – 5 Biggest Wastes of Talent in England History
#5. Christian Wade (One cap)
The 2013 British & Irish Lion quit Wasps in order to pursue a lucrative career in the NFL, having grown disillusioned with rugby union. The 29-year-old was one of the most recognised names in the domestic game, but his continued absence from the international set-up – having won just one England cap on the 2013 tour of Argentina – had left him frustrated and fed up of continuously being overlooked. What a waste.
