Gavin Henson given chance to shine at London Welsh

Gavin Henson has signed for newly-confirmed Aviva Premiership club London Welsh. The 30-year-old centre, who's won two Grand Slams with Wales and started for the Lions in New Zealand in 2005, was sacked by Cardiff Blues in April. He only signed for the Blues six months earlier, but had his contract terminated after "totally unacceptable" behaviour on a team flight home from a defeat against Glasgow.

London Welsh are Henson's fourth club in the space of 18 months, and sixth in all. The Exiles, who recently won an appeal to seal their place in the top flight of English rugby for next season, have not disclosed the length of Henson's contract, but have spoken about his history of making headlines for the wrong reasons.

Henson is reunited with former Ospreys coach Lyn Jones. They were with the region together between 2003 and 2008. Former Ospreys and Wales centre partner Sonny Parker is also a new recruit at the Exiles.

The most recent of Henson's 33 international appearances for Wales came in August 2011. He was thought to be in the running for a place in Warren Gatland's World Cup squad before but was ruled out with injury.

Henson started his career with Swansea, and rose to international prominence at the Ospreys after the introduction of regional rugby. His relationship with singer Charlotte Church was the subject of tabloid scrutiny as he became a regular celebrity face. By 2009, he was on indefinite unpaid leave, and took a break from the game, competing in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. He was released by the Ospreys and signed for Saracens. He made just four appearances for the Watford side, before a similarly short stint at French club Toulon. A breach of discipline on a night out sealed his fate after just two matches. Further television work proceeded last winter's spell at the Blues, and yet another controversial departure.