Former rugby star Gavin Henson opens up about condition affecting communication with teammates

Rugby star Gavin Henson has revealed that he rarely keeps in touch with his former teammates because he is on the autism spectrum, The Sun reports. The retired athlete admitted that socializing has always been a challenge for him, making it difficult to maintain relationships.

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Henson explained that he struggles to connect with people, which is why he has little contact with former rugby colleagues and avoids making new friends. Doctors informed him about his place on the autism spectrum, which he says explains a lot about his experiences.

"I think people found it hard to understand me. I’m a little bit different, obviously. And they always liked to try and mould you into the group and I learned how to do that, and fake that, to be a part of the team to fit in so that I’d play on the weekend," Henson shared.

Henson retired from rugby in 2019, having earned 33 caps for the Welsh national team during his career.

Now fully removed from sports, Henson owns a gastropub in the Vale of Glamorgan and is raising two children with his wife, Katie. He also has two children from his previous marriage to singer Charlotte Church.