Henson makes peace with WRU
2005-10-24 17:45
Cardiff - Gavin Henson launched his controversial warts-and-all book on Monday and also made peace with the Welsh Rugby Union, one of the many targets of his outspoken criticism.
Serialised excerpts from the book - My Grand Slam Year - have featured attacks on Welsh teammates, the WRU and Welsh team officials - among others - that many feared would leave the Wales and Lions centre out in the cold.
But after being summoned by the WRU for clear-the-air talks, Henson left a happy man and unrepentant.
"The talk has been very constructive, quite good in fact. We went over a few issues in the book and I explained what I was saying," Henson told BBC Wales.
WRU chief executive "David Moffett also asked for one of my books to be signed, so they couldn't have been that bad about it!
"I think we left on good accounts."
A WRU spokesperson confirmed there had been "a robust exchange of views".
The official launch of the book, which will be sold in the WRU's own shop, was held at the Millennium Stadium.
Henson, 23, has insisted that he stood by comments that criticise the likes of former skipper Colin Charvis, Leicester prop Darren Morris, plus Lions teammates Brian O'Driscoll and Martyn Williams for various conduct on and off the field.
Also in Henson's crosshairs came current skipper Gareth Thomas, Brent Cockbain, Hal Luscombe, Sonny Parker and Wales skills coach Scott Johnson, as well as former Wales coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen and former players Garan Evans and Rupert Moon.
"I have no regrets at all, that's who I am and I'm not going to change for anyone," Henson told BBC.
"I think (publishers) Harper Collins are loving the fuss that's going on at the moment.
"The book is causing a bit of a stir in the newspapers, but that's making it a bit more controversial than it is.
"But I've just been honest and I think it's okay - I see all my colleagues every day, because I train every day, and no one has a problem with it.
- AFP