Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Gavin Henson is targeting a return to Welsh rugby with Newport Gwent Dragons interested in signing him.

Wales’ 2008 and 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam hero is out of contract with Aviva Premiership strugglers Bristol at the end of the season but wants to come home and believes he can still do a job in pro rugby despite being 35 next February.

And he fits the bill for the Dragons perfectly with coach Kingsley Jones expressing a desire to sign an experienced international, who can play outside-half, inside-centre or full-back.

They are all positions Henson has occupied for Wales and, if he can stay injury-free, he could prove a valuable acquisition to aid the development of Wales caps Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan, flying machine Ashton Hewitt, centre Jack Dixon and outside-halves Angus O’Brien and Dorian Jones.

Kingsley Jones wouldn’t be drawn on whether Henson is on his hit-list for next season but WalesOnlne understands he is being discussed as a potential target.

The Dragons have history with him, with previous coach Lyn Jones attempting to persuade him to join them when his contract with then club Bath was up for renewal two years ago.

But 33-times capped Henson decided to stay with Bath, later moving to Bristol and earlier this year helping the Ashton Gate outfit to earn promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

However, he has hardly played this campaign after suffering a knee injury when he was tackled by England prop Joe Marler while shining during their opening fixture. He then damaged a shoulder in a recent match following his return to action.

Thirty-times capped New Zealand centre or outside-half Luke McAlister, who faced Henson when the All Blacks pulverised the 2005 Lions 3-0, is another on the radar of the Dragons.

But the 33-year-old Toulouse star is believed to be on the way to their French rivals La Rochelle for next season with a two-year deal in the offing.

Agen were also chasing the services of McAlister, who played under Kingsley Jones at Sale Sharks when the northerners lifted the Premiership title.

Jones did confirm our disclosure the Dragons were in pursuit of the three-time Six Nations title-winner Ian Evans.

Giant lock Evans, 32 and a Lion in 2013, is another out of contract at Bristol at the end of the campaign and is believed to be keen on linking up with the Dragons.

“If Ian wants to come back to Wales I would like to think it would be with the Dragons,” said Kingsley Jones.

“Injuries have set him back since he’s been at Bristol but he’s getting back to form and fitness.

“He’s a big and athletic man, a huge physical presence and possesses the experience which would be an asset to us.”