Gavin Henson has five more top-flight years, says Lyn Jones

London Welsh boss Lyn Jones says Bath will be getting a player with five top-flight years ahead of him if Gavin Henson's move there is confirmed.

The Welsh Exiles will drop from England's Aviva Premiership to the second-tier Championship next season, prompting Henson's departure.

But Henson, 31, seems set to remain at the top level with Bath.

"Gavin's got another five years of real good rugby ahead of him and it's nice to see him doing well," said Jones.

Henson's term at London Welsh has been dogged by calf injuries and a cheekbone fracture suffered in a pre-season clash against the Scarlets.

And if Jones' prediction is accurate, Henson could yet return to Test contention for Wales.

Capped 33 times for his country and a 2005 British and Irish Lions tourist, versatile Henson made his name with Swansea before they became part of the Ospreys when they were formed in 2003.

After leaving the Ospreys in October, 2010, stints at Saracens, Toulon and Cardiff Blues preceded Henson's arrival at London Welsh.

And amid what has been at times a turbulent career, Jones - Henson's former Ospreys boss - says the player has impressed at fly-half and centre in 11 starts.

"I'm delighted for Gavin," said Jones, who has been nominated for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Director of the Season award.

"He had a tough time in Wales and... just recently he's had a good year up here. He's relaxed, he's enjoyed himself and he's made an impression.

"He's been out of the spotlight and been getting on with his rugby as best he can. Gavin's been a real good player for us and he's certainly made an impression when he's been on the field.

"He's obviously turned heads, especially at Bath. It's a really good club, Bath, and I'm sure he'll fit in well there."

The Bridgend-born player's public profile has been enhanced by his involvement in reality television shows 71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing and The Bachelor, and he has also made headlines for misdemeanours away from the game.