Exiles eye Henson deal

London Welsh are to sound out Gavin Henson about joining the Aviva Premiership newcomers as the scramble to recruit new players begins.

Over the coming days director of rugby Lyn Jones will contact Henson, who was sacked by the Blues in April for being drunk and misbehaving on a flight from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Jones believes the troubled 30-year-old former Wales centre, who would welcome the chance to revive his career, still has something to offer the game.

"I'm not ruling anyone out and I'll get on to the phone to Gavin to see if he's interested, that's for certain," Jones said.

"He used to be a very good rugby player and I'm sure that if he has the appetite he could be a very good one again.

"He's one of a number of players that we'll speak to. There's been no contact so far."

Welsh's entrance into the Premiership was only finalised on Friday by an appeal hearing that confirmed Newcastle's relegation to the Championship.

Already facing a enormous challenge to remain in the top flight, the delay over their promotion has also left them trailing their rivals in building a squad for next season.

Jones will adopt a measured approach to signing new players, despite being bombarded by calls from agents.

"Last night was the first time I could reply to some text messages I've had. It's been non-stop and it's been wearing," he said.

"The phone calls started on Friday - 'are you interested in Joe Bloggs? Yeah, he's benching 120kgs and plays cricket!' These agents are salesmen.

"We don't want to rush and just sign anyone. Player recruitment is an ongoing process.

"There are a few people we have our eye on, but we need to spend our money wisely.

"We were budgeting on going up next season, but it's happened a year early and we must react. We must be bolshy in the market, the way we play and the way we prepare.

"Any player who is worth anything is already signed up to a contract.

"We need to develop a team as quick as we can. Fitness, strength, desire and honesty will be key components.

"If we can be a difficult team to play against then we might achieve our goal."

Welsh, who open their Premiership campaign against nine-times champions Leicester on September 2, will stage their home games at Oxford's Kassam Stadium.

"It's been a fantastic welcome from the people there. The Oxford public have been really positive and we're just as delighted as we were on Friday night," said Jones.

"There's a big market in Oxford with a lot of Welsh people living there. It's a 12,000-seater stadium which is big enough for us.

"It's a beautiful stage for us to play on and a good advert for the Aviva Premiership."