Former Lions star Gavin Henson has revealed he is on the autism spectrum, admitting he struggles to maintain friendships and often feels like a "poor friend."
The 42-year-old, who shares two children with former fiancée , opened up about his social challenges during a candid chat on
The Big Jim Show with Jim Hamilton.
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"I can be a little bit odd"
Henson explained that he rarely keeps in touch with ex-teammates and finds social situations difficult—unless there's a drink involved.
"They're always wanting something from me. So it's not really like a friendship, I suppose, with some of the ex-rugby boys. I'm a poor friend," he admitted.
"I am on the autism spectrum, so that’s my excuse. It’s just the way I am, it’s nothing personal. I can be a little bit odd."
"I had to fake it to fit in"
Despite not having an official diagnosis, Henson said he’s been on a journey of self-discovery, speaking with people who have suggested he is autistic.
"For coaches and players throughout the years, it probably makes sense to them. I think people found it hard to understand me," he said.
"They always liked to try and mould you into the group, and I learned how to do that—to fake it—so that I’d play on the weekend."
A career of highs and controversies
Henson burst onto the scene with Swansea RFC before becoming a key figure for Ospreys, where his dazzling footwork, powerful boot, and natural flair made him one of Welsh rugby’s biggest stars. He was instrumental in Wales’ 2005 and 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam victories, with his famous long-range penalty against England in 2005 cementing his place in rugby folklore.
His performances earned him a spot on the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, though injuries and off-field distractions limited his impact. Known for his celebrity lifestyle and high-profile relationship with Charlotte Church, Henson often made headlines for reasons beyond rugby.
After leaving Ospreys, he had spells with Saracens, Toulon, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh, Bath, and Bristol, but struggled to recapture his early-career brilliance. He finished his professional career at Dragons before switching to football in 2019, briefly playing for Welsh club Super Fox United.
EDITORS PICKS:
Four British & Irish Lions selections Andy Farrell got wrong
Andy Farrell's Lions squad was always going to ruffle feathers — and it hasn’t disappointed. While there’s plenty of talent in the touring party, some of the omissions have left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
From in-form veterans to world-class game-breakers, a handful of players have every right to feel hard done by. Selection is never easy, but Farrell's calls in these four cases feel more like missteps than masterstrokes.
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Here are four British & Irish Lions selections Farrell got badly wrong…
1. Courtney Lawes – The French Renaissance Ignored
One word: class. Lawes has been rolling back the years at Brive, bossing it in France with the same bruising physicality and smart leadership that made him a Lions mainstay.
Yes, he's 36. Yes, he's stepped away from England duty. But are we seriously saying that counts more than actual form?
Farrell went with James Ryan instead — a solid lock on his day, sure, but he’s barely shown up on this tour. Anonymous in open play, average in the tight.
Hooked early in the second half when he did start. Meanwhile, Lawes is watching on from his vineyard.
2. Jack Willis – The Toulouse Titan Left Behind
This one’s just criminal. Willis has been on fire for Toulouse — arguably the best flanker in Europe, possibly even the world, and yet left at home? Come off it.
He’s dominating Top 14 games alongside world-class names and still gets overlooked because he’s not been playing Test rugby recently?
Ludicrous. If form counts for anything, Willis walks into this squad. And right now, the Lions back row could really use him.
3. Darcy Graham – Small in Size, Giant in Impact
Left out for being... too exciting? Farrell has clearly opted for size and structure over spark, picking Duhan van der Merwe and Mack Hansen instead. But Graham is a walking highlight reel — electric pace, dazzling footwork, and a nose for the try-line.
Hansen’s done little to justify his inclusion, yet keeps getting chances. Graham? Watching from home. Feels like a serious missed opportunity.
4. Freddie Steward – Safe Hands, Strange Snub
Still scratching our heads over this one. Steward is the best aerial fullback in the game. Dependable under pressure. Defensive rock. And in a brutal Test series, you want someone you can trust at the back.
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But Farrell wanted more flair. Fine — but when Blair Kinghorn went down, the call went not to Steward, but to Ireland’s James Osborne, with just eight caps to his name. A fullback selection that made absolutely no sense.
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.
Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
