Give Gavin Henson another shot with Wales, says club-mate Paul James

Gavin Henson may not be playing in tomorrow's Probables versus Possibles trial match for Wales due to player release issues emanating from the English club game's governing body, Premiership Rugby.

But Wales and Bath prop Paul James says his club-mate still deserves another shot at playing for his country.

Along with Henson, James has been told by Bath that he won’t be released for the trial match because it falls outside the IRB Test window that starts two days later.

But irrespective of that restriction, 53-cap prop James believes Henson should figure in Warren Gatland’s plans for the summer tour of South Africa.

“I don’t see why Gavin doesn’t deserve a chance,” says James. “He’s getting back to the player of old who can win games for you.

“His leadership this season and his performances when he’s come on have been great for Bath.”

What a shame, then, that the rules relating to player release can't be relaxed in this instance - especially given that Bath don't have another game until September, and given that the club has made great play of its desire to see its players representing their countries.