Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gavin Henson has completed his move to Toulon, the French Top 14 club have confirmed.
The 29-year-old was last night released from his Saracens contract after just one start for the Aviva Premiership side.
A statement on the Toulon website, http://www.rctoulon.com, read: "Wales international Gavin Henson has signed a contract at Toulon as a 'medical wildcard' for Clement Marienval."
The 31-cap centre made just four appearances for Saracens since making his debut as a replacement against Wasps on Boxing Day at Wembley.
Henson, who will join England internationals Jonny Wilkinson and Paul Sackey at Toulon, had hoped that his return to the game would be enough to convince Wales head coach Warren Gatland to include him in his squad for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations championship.
But a calf injury suffered almost three weeks ago against Leinster in the Heineken Cup extinguished his hopes of selection.
Henson had also voiced his concern at not being given any game time at Saracens in his preferred positions of fly-half and inside centre.
Saracens instead opted to use the 2005 Lions tourist as an outside centre with Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt filling their inside-back positions.
Toulon had been on the lookout for cover for Marienval, while they also have space in their squad following the loss of Felipe Contepomi to injury and Wilkinson, who is away on Six Nations duty with England.
The move should allow Henson to play in his preferred roles and boost his chances of making a first World Cup appearance in New Zealand later this year.
He also joins a growing Welsh contingent who will ply their trade in France.
Former Ospreys team-mates James Hook and Lee Byrne have recently confirmed their moves to Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne respectively, with scrum-half Mike Phillips also being linked with a move overseas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments