As predicted in these columns former Hawk Andy Henderson is on his way to France



Published Date: 24 March 2009
By DAVID FERGUSON
ANDREW Henderson is leaving Glasgow after agreeing a three-year contract with French club Montauban, but the Scotland centre insists he is not giving up on his international career.
The 29-year-old has been edged out of the picture at Glasgow in the past year by Graeme Morrison and Max Evans, and a broken hand suffered at the turn of the year. His international prospects have been further eroded by the exciting progress of young centres Nick De Luca and Ben Cairns at Edinburgh.

Henderson, born in Kent to Scottish parents – his father, Roger, from Hawick, was stationed there as an Army doctor – but raised in Glasgow, made his name with West of Scotland and was signed by Glasgow Caledonians, as they were named, in 2000, starring also at Glasgow Hawks.

He marked his international debut with the first of his eight Test tries, against Ireland in 2001, which ended in a 32-10 win and was Scotland's last Six Nations win against the country who won the Grand Slam on Saturday. He was a pacy, deceiving runner in his youth, but became more of a powerful inside centre in the professional game.

Henderson won his 50th cap against France in last year's championship, and added three more that spring, and though he has dropped out of the frame this season he insisted he wants to get back to Test level.

"My Glasgow contract is up at end of season," he explained, "and I have always wanted the challenge of playing somewhere else some time in my career, so last summer I thought if things didn't go my way this season I'd think about trying that now.

"I feel very lucky to have played professional rugby for my home team for nine seasons, and I've always been very proud to represent Glasgow, but if I'm going to leave I don't want to go when I'm at the very end. I want to go when I still have some good rugby in me and can make a good impression there, and my hope is that a change of club and coaching, and a different lifestyle, might give me what I need to get back to my best and back into the Scotland team."

Henderson's wife Anna, recently gave birth to their second child, a girl Hope, and along with 19-month-old Jamie they will head to France this summer. "I'm hoping to be back from my hand injury in two or three weeks and I want to help Glasgow finish the season well, and play well as a thank-you to the club and the supporters."

This article was originally posted on 24-Mar-2009, 08:07 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 24-Mar-2009, 08:08.