Gavin Henson released by Toulon
French rugby club Toulon have chosen not to renew the centre’s contract after the Welshman joined in February.
The decision, claimed to be that of financial reasons by team manager Tom Whitford and not regarding his recent suspension for “off field mis-behaviour”.
Speaking to BBC Sport Wales Whitford said of the decision.
“The problem is we haven’t qualified for Europe this season, which means that our budget is going to be restricted which means then we’re slightly limited in our salary budget, that’s one reason. The second reason is we hope from his point of view he’s going to be picked for the World Cup to play for Wales, which means we’re going to lose a player for a three/four month period.”
The Toulon manager continued.
“So we’d rather not take that risk. Obviously there was an incident – and he wasn’t the only one at fault – let’s be honest about this, it wasn’t just his fault. Having taken everything into account we’ve come to a decision whereby we’re going to release Gavin and we’re going to wish him very well in the future.”
Henson will need to move fast if he is to secure a new contract elsewhere with the Rugby World Cup – to be held in New Zealand – fast approaching.
