Gavin Henson: Bath player 'moving on' from bar fracas

Gavin Henson says he wants to forget about his fracas with Bath team-mate Carl Fearns and focus on his career.

Wales back Henson had been with the Premiership club for a month when he was punched by Fearns in a pub during a team bonding night.

Both players were fined and given warnings by Bath after the incident.

"It wasn't a great start to my Bath career but hopefully I can put that behind me," the 31-year-old told BBC Points West.

"There was a lot of drink involved, that's my excuse. Bad things seem to happen when I go out so maybe I shouldn't go out.

"It was embarrassing and not a good thing for the club. But I like to think the squad got tighter after that.

"If I can get out on the field and start performing then hopefully it will be forgotten, and people will accept me and respect me as a player."

Henson has attracted headlines - both on and off the field - throughout his 13-year career.

Capped 33 times at international level, the Glamorgan-born utility back made a name for himself at club level with Ospreys and helped guide Wales to Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008.

But after struggling with an ankle injury in 2009, he took unpaid leave from the Welsh club and became involved in television projects - including Strictly Come Dancing and 71 Degrees North.

He returned to the game after an 18-month absence with Saracens in 2010 but was released after only four appearances, and spells with Toulon and Cardiff Blues came to abrupt ends after off-field misdemeanours.

Henson signed for London Welsh in August 2012, linking up again with former Ospreys boss Lyn Jones, but could only manage seven Premiership appearances after further ankle problems.

Following the Exiles' relegation, Henson agreed to join Bath - his fifth club in three years - and admits he was not expecting to be approached by a top-flight outfit.

"I was surprised. I'm getting on a little bit and the last three or four years have been mixed in my rugby career - with injuries and form," he said.

"I was just so happy to get this opportunity and I want to repay the coaches and gain the respect of my team-mates."

Bath have signed Henson to cover fly-half, centre and full-back and the Welshman says he is ready for the challenge.

"I'm really lucky to be here and to have this opportunity. I'm enjoying every second of it," he added.

"My body is in great condition and if I can stay injury free then I'm confident my game will be up there and I can be in the first team."