Gavin Henson in shock talks with Toulon - despite only playing for Saracens for six weeks
The29-year-old has played in only four games since the Watford-based clubhelped relaunch his career after 21 months on the sidelines.
He hasn't been there Toulon yet: Henson at the end of a clash between Saracens and London Irish last monthButWales's Grand Slam winner has struggled to make an impact and hadbecome disgruntled at the lack of opportunity to play at eitherfly-half or inside centre.
It is expected he could make his debut forToulon in a French Championship game against Brive next Friday.
Thecontract is understood to be for two-and-a-half years and Toulon havealso expressed an interest in him remaining at the club for the rest ofhis career. However, nothing has been signed yet and the deal should befinalised this morning.
On the move: Henson is set to sign for Toulon A Saracens statement said Henson hadasked to be released from his contract - which covered the rest of theseason - with immediate effect and that the club had agreed.
Saracens'owner Nigel Wray added: 'We wish Gavin all the best for the future ashe continues his return to the highest level of the game.'
Indicationsof the surprise move started on Wednesday afternoon when French mediareported that Henson and his adviser had met with Toulon's millionaireowner Mourad Boudjellal and director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre.
Toulon had initially talked to Henson about joining next season, butthey have decided on offering him an immediate deal as ArgentinianFelipe Contepomi is injured and unable to cover for Englandfly-half Jonny Wilkinson.
They have told Henson that he will be able toattend Wales's training camps before the World Cup and the tourna! mentitse lf if needed. He has also been told he will play at inside centreand act as cover for fly-half.
Henson was due back in training atSaracens next week following a calf injury which ruined his hopes ofappearing for Wales tomorrow.
After joining Saracens, he was told firmly by outgoing director of rugby Brendan Venter that he needed tounderstand the culture of his new club.
'He's not been part of ourculture and can't just turn it on like that,' Venter said last monthafter Henson had made a fleeting appearance as a substitute forSaracens against London Irish.
'I explained it all to him last week. Ifit takes a little time, it takes a little time.'
Henson did not endearhimself by insisting he wanted to play at either inside centre orfly-half. His last appearance came against Leinster in a Heineken Cuppool game when he appeared as a first-half substitute before going offdue to a calf injury.
He will be unable to play for Toulon in theHeineken Cup because regulations state a player cannot represent twoclubs in the same season.
After his split from singer CharlotteChurch, Henson decided on Saracens, rather than his home club of theOspreys to relaunch his career.
He wanted a new start and to be nearerto his two children, who were based in London with their mother. Hehoped Saracens would offer him a quick route back to the Wales squadafter head coach Warren Gatland said he was keen to have him fit forthe Six Nations.
Henson explained: 'I do not feel I have been away thatlong, rugby is still the same by the looks of it. I think all my skillsare there. I just need game time.'
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