Former rugby star Gavin Henson’s life has taken a significant turn following a life-changing discovery he made in his post-rugby career. Once considered one of the best players in the world, Henson has opened up about his new perspective on life on a recent episode of ‘The Big Jim Show’ alongside former Scotland international Jim Hamilton. This marks one of the rare occasions Henson has stepped back into the media spotlight since his in-depth interview with WalesOnline in 2020.
Since retiring from professional rugby in 2019, Henson has been focusing on running his gastro pub ‘The Fox’ in St Brides Major and spending time with his growing family. With four children, including two recent additions, Henson has been relishing the quieter, family-oriented lifestyle away from the intense world of professional sports. Despite his past glories on the rugby field, Henson finds comfort in the simplicity of family life and running a business.
Reflecting on his career, Henson admits that he rarely dwells on his rugby days. His home and pub do not showcase any memorabilia, reflecting his detached approach to his past achievements. Furthermore, Henson acknowledges his difficulty in maintaining friendships with former teammates, attributing it partly to his behaviour and autism spectrum disorder. He confesses to struggling with social interactions unless under the influence of alcohol, which he believes hampers his ability to connect with others.
Henson delves into a revealing anecdote about a visit to a psychologist with former team members, which led to the revelation of his ‘chimp’ control. This encounter eventually led him to a book, ‘The Chimp Paradox’, which had a profound impact on his life. The book helped him understand and manage his impulsive ‘chimp’ side, which he credits for both his success and struggles in rugby. By acknowledging his unique traits and embracing a new self-awareness, Henson has found a renewed sense of clarity and purpose in his post-rugby life.
The former star also opens up about the drinking culture he encountered during his rugby career, highlighting the challenges of fitting into a professional environment that condoned heavy drinking. Henson reflects on the impact of alcohol on his career trajectory, acknowledging that abstaining from the prevalent drinking culture may have ostracised him from his peers. Despite the regrets he harbours about his drinking habits, Henson remains content with his current life, filled with family joy and successful business ventures.
As Henson continues to find fulfilment in his return to grassroots rugby with Pencoed RFC, he embraces a new chapter where personal growth and self-acceptance pave the way for a brighter future. Amidst reflections on his storied past and candid revelations about his struggles, Henson’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and transformation in the face of life’s challenges. With a newfound understanding of himself and the world around him, Gavin Henson is carving out a path defined by authenticity, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of happiness.