Ex-Wales back Henson makes shock appearance for Welsh fourth-tier club

Gavin Henson, shown here playing for Pencoed against Heol-y-Cyw, has been a pub landlord in recent years

Former Wales international Gavin Henson made a surprise return to grassroots rugby by featuring for Pencoed against Heol-y-Cyw.

The 42-year-old - who won 33 caps for his country - successfully kicked a penalty and a conversion but was unable to prevent his boyhood club from slipping to a 30-10 defeat in the Division Two West Central league encounter.

It was the former British and Irish Lions fly-half's first rugby outing in five years, with more than 500 fans in attendance.

Pencoed club president Terry Rees told WalesOnline: “It’s amazing, it’s such an uplift for the club. Obviously the percentage he has put on this crowd… I wouldn’t like to think.

“It’s amazing. He went on to win Wales and British and Irish Lions honours and we are extremely proud of that.”

Henson started his career with Llanelli but made his name in Welsh rugby with Swansea and then Ospreys.

He joined Saracens in 2010 and went on to have spells with Toulon, Cardiff, London Welsh, Bath and Bristol before retiring in 2019 after two years with Dragons.

Henson was a pivotal figure as Wales won Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008 and briefly turned his hand to rugby league with West Wales Raiders in 2021.