Ex-rugby star Gavin Henson has revealed he is on the autism spectrum, admitting he struggles to maintain friendships and often feels like a "poor friend."
The 42-year-old, who shares two children with former fiancée , opened up about his social challenges during a candid chat on
The Big Jim Show with Jim Hamilton.
"I can be a little bit odd"
Henson explained that he rarely keeps in touch with ex-teammates and finds social situations difficult—unless there's a drink involved.
"They're always wanting something from me. So it's not really like a friendship, I suppose, with some of the ex-rugby boys. I'm a poor friend," he admitted.
"I am on the autism spectrum, so that’s my excuse. It’s just the way I am, it’s nothing personal. I can be a little bit odd."
"I had to fake it to fit in"
Despite not having an official diagnosis, Henson said he’s been on a journey of self-discovery, speaking with people who have suggested he is autistic.
"For coaches and players throughout the years, it probably makes sense to them. I think people found it hard to understand me," he said.
"They always liked to try and mould you into the group, and I learned how to do that—to fake it—so that I’d play on the weekend."
A career of highs and controversies
Henson burst onto the scene with Swansea RFC before becoming a key figure for Ospreys, where his dazzling footwork, powerful boot, and natural flair made him one of Welsh rugby’s biggest stars. He was instrumental in Wales’ 2005 and 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam victories, with his famous long-range penalty against England in 2005 cementing his place in rugby folklore.
His performances earned him a spot on the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, though injuries and off-field distractions limited his impact. Known for his celebrity lifestyle and high-profile relationship with Charlotte Church, Henson often made headlines for reasons beyond rugby.
After leaving Ospreys, he had spells with Saracens, Toulon, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh, Bath, and Bristol, but struggled to recapture his early-career brilliance. He finished his professional career at Dragons before switching to football in 2019, briefly playing for Welsh club Super Fox United.
EDITORS PICKS:
28 England players on Andy Farrell's 75-man Lions watchlist
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there’s no shortage of talent vying for a spot.
Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge
Ireland’s Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland’s Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales’ Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.
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- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
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- 7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
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- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position
Ireland’s Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England’s Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales’ leading option.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Jamie George (England)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent
Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England’s trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland’s Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Will Stuart (England)
- Joe Heyes (England)
- Kyle Sinckler (England)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites
Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland’s Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales’ strongest option.
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Ollie Chessum (England)
- Courtney Lawes (England)
- David Ribbans (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine
Ireland’s Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England’s back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland’s Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales’ Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.
- Tom Curry (England)
- Ben Curry (England)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Sam Underhill (England)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Tom Willis (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)
- Jack Conan (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
- Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
Scrum-Halves: Gibson-Park to Lead the Pack
Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to retain his spot after an impressive World Cup. England’s Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet will compete for backup roles, while Scotland’s Ben White and Wales’ Tomos Williams round out the options.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
- Alex Mitchell (England)
- Jack van Poortvliet (England)
- Ben White (Scotland)
- Tomos Williams (Wales)
Fly-Halves: Farrell and Ford in the Mix, Russell a Wildcard
Owen Farrell’s leadership and experience keep him in contention, but England’s George Ford and Marcus Smith offer contrasting styles. Ireland’s Jack Crowley and rising star Sam Prendergast provide alternatives, while Scotland’s Finn Russell remains a game-changer.
- Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
- Jack Crowley (Ireland)
- Owen Farrell (England)
- Marcus Smith (England)
- Fin Smith (England)
- George Ford (England)
- Finn Russell (Scotland)
- Tom Jordan (Scotland)
Centres: Aki and Ringrose Set to Star
Ireland’s midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose looks set to continue, with Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne adding depth. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring attacking flair to the mix.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
- Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
- Huw Jones (Scotland)
Back Three: Lowe and Keenan Lead the Line
Ireland’s back three trio of James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen remain front-runners. Scotland’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe provide proven finishing power. England’s Elliot Daly and youngsters Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme, and Tom Roebuck are pushing for spots.
- James Lowe (Ireland)
- Mack Hansen (Ireland)
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- Darcy Graham (Scotland)
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
- Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
- Tommy Freeman (England)
- Ollie Sleightholme (England)
- Tom Roebuck (England)
- Elliot Daly (England)
Nation Breakdown: Ireland Leads the Way
With a total of 75 players predicted to make the longlist, here’s a breakdown by nation:
- Ireland: 22 players
- England: 28 players
- Scotland: 14 players
- Wales: 11 players
Andy Farrell and his coaching team will have difficult decisions to make as the tour approaches, with intense competition across every position. Expect plenty of surprises when the final squad is announced.
Can You Name These 10 Legendary British & Irish Lions?
Test your rugby knowledge and see how many of these iconic Lions players you can name! You’ve got 4 minutes on the clock—think fast!
Let’s see if you can nail this quiz and prove you’re a true rugby expert. Ready? Let’s go!
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