Gavin Henson could be answer to Sarries’ woes
Gavin Henson could be a surprise target for Saracens as they search for a replacement for fly-half Derick Hougaard, who seems set to be out for six months with an Achilles tendon injury.
Henson wants to quit Ospreys and join a London club to be near his children who are living in the capital with mother Charlotte Church.
Sarries, Harlequins, London Wasps and London Irish initially distanced themselves from the player, insisting their squads were complete.
However, Hougaard's injury leaves Sarries with Alex Goode the only option at No10 and with Henson having played both fly-half and centre in his career, the controversial Wales international becomes a viable proposition for the club.
It is understood that Sarries director of rugby Brendan Venter will be asked by club officials if he wants to consider Henson as any move would involve complicated negotiations with the player and Ospreys. He is on unpaid leave from the Welsh side, having not played for them since March 2009, and is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, which could tie him up until December.
Hougaard was having an operation in London today to repair the Achilles tendon he injured during the 23‑25 Heineken Cup loss to Leinster at Wembley on Saturday. If the surgeon discovers a partial tear then Hougaard will be out for four months, however, if he has suffered a complete rupture then he will be sidelined for half a year.
Having lost to Clermont and Leinster, Sarries are bottom of Pool Two, and while even their most fervent fans believe they will struggle to reach the knock-out stages, Goode disagrees.
The full-back will now be first-choice No10, a position many believe he could fill for England in the near future.
Goode, who took over the kicks against Leinster and impressed with his accuracy, said: "It's a huge blow for Derick and the team because he is a great player. I have worked closely with Derick and we have a really good relationship.
"I revel in the responsibility that comes with the No10 role and I am looking forward to that challenge.
"We know we are in a bad place in the Heineken Cup but a couple of wins will change all of that."
