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Gavin Henson has recently shared insights into how discovering he is on the autism spectrum helped him make sense of the difficulties he faced throughout his rugby career. Known as a prominent figure in the Welsh rugby world during the mid-2000s, Henson was part of the Grand Slam-winning sides in 2005 and 2008. His fame extended beyond the pitch, amplified by his high-profile relationship with singer Charlotte Church and his involvement in popular television programs, including *The Bachelor* and *Strictly Come Dancing*.
Despite his confident public image—marked by perfectly styled hair, shaved legs, and carefully applied fake tan—Henson revealed a much more socially awkward side when off the field. He described experiencing a sharp contrast between his on-field persona and private self, calling them “two extremes.” He admitted that, socially, he often found it challenging to engage with others early on, particularly with tasks as simple as making eye contact or initiating conversation. Over time, he learned to navigate social situations better, though these aspects remained difficult during his formative years.
Starting his rugby journey as an 18-year-old with Swansea RFC, Henson recalled how drinking culture was ingrained in rugby circles. He explained that there was significant pressure on young players to conform by participating in drinking sessions, which acted as a rite of passage to acceptance by senior squad members. Wanting to fit in, he embraced this culture despite initially avoiding such behavior when younger. Over his career, Henson played for notable teams, including the Ospreys, the British & Irish Lions, Toulon, and Bristol, earning 33 caps for Wales. However, he acknowledged that day-to-day life in such a competitive environment was challenging given his difficulties fitting into social norms, which his diagnosis on the autism spectrum helped clarify retrospectively.
Henson attributed some of his on-field success to the intense focus and excitement brought about by his autistic traits, describing how the rugby pitch became a space where he could fully express himself. He recounted the rituals surrounding appearance and preparation, such as grooming and applying fake tan, which contributed to his confidence before matches. Even now, playing at the local level for Pencoed, Henson continues to apply the same level of dedication and perfectionism in his game, striving for an elusive flawless performance every Saturday. Reflecting on his career, Henson fondly mentioned enduring memories like shaving his legs before a crucial match against England in 2005, a moment immortalized by commentator Eddie Butler’s phrase, “shave away Gavin, shave away.”
During his conversation with comedian Mike Bubbins on *Scrum V Top 5*, Henson also discussed his rugby heroes. He named former Olympic hurdler Nigel Walker as one of his top rugby players and praised players like Arwel Thomas and Shane Williams for their contributions to club and country. Interestingly, his second choice was England’s George Ford, whom Henson encountered while playing at Bath, noting Ford’s maturity surprised him and reversed their expected mentor-mentee dynamic. His number one pick
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