Gavin Henson has revealed his excitement at getting back on the pitch as he aims to fire himself back into Welsh contention.
The 2005 Lion and two-time Grand Slam winner has not played a game of rugby in 21 months.
The 28-year-old took unpaid leave from the Ospreys and has not played since March 2009. But he ended his unpaid sabbatical by signing for Saracens in October.
Now the Strictly Come Dancing star is set to make his long awaited comeback against Wasps on Boxing Day.
Henson cannot wait to get back to what he does best but admits he might he will feel every tackle as takes the first steps to his ultimate goal of playing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s going to be a tough one,” said Henson. “I haven’t had many contact training sessions, only one or two and I was pretty sore after those to be honest!
“But it’s going to be fun, there will be a bit of banter but it’s so exciting for me, I just can’t wait. I just hope I can perform.
“I’ve never been to a World Cup so that’s in the back of my mind but also the Six Nations. I’m hoping I can have a quick turn around and get the squad.
“We’ll have to wait and see how I perform but I’m feeling pretty confident. But then again maybe the game has changed. I’ve had no contact with the Wales coaches but I think they’ve referred to me so I think they still remember me!
”I just have to do my best out on the field with Saracens and hopefully that will be enough to get in the Six Nations squad.
“My hunger and love for the game is there, it’s much better now. I will do all I can to get up to speed as quick as possible and hopefully play week in week out.”
