Henson off radar but Byrne progressing well

Henson is currently on unpaid leave from the Ospreys as he attempts to recover from a serious of injury setbacks, including an on-going groin problem.

And while Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has suggested that the national coaching hierarchy would be in contact with one of the most high-profile players in world rugby next month, Ospreys coach Sean Holley admits there is still no suggestion that the 27-year-old will return to the Liberty Stadium any time soon.

''He's off our radar,'' said Holley, as the Ospreys prepare to return to Magners League action against reigning champions Munster on Saturday afternoon.

''I would have thought he is still in regular contact with others at the region but, given that he's on unpaid leave, I can't focus any more attention on him because I have so many other players to focus on here and so many important games - and we have an injury situation as well.

''The situation is he's not in our squad, he hasn't trained with us.

''Even if he did come back today, the modern game and the modern conditioning are such that he wouldn't be able to play for us for a while. So I can't dwell on it.''

Holley also dismissed reports that, with Henson apparently progressing well at home in terms of his groin injury, the star centre could be back in a Welsh shirt during the 2010 Six Nations.

Holley was more hopeful, however, that 2009 Lions full back Byrne would be available to Warren Gatland and Wales at some point during the Six Nations.

The former Scarlets and Bridgend player was one of the globe's most consistent performers during the 2008/09 season but hasn't appeared for the Ospreys since returning from his South African adventure with the Lions.

''I don't see how he (Henson) could get himself ready, given the timescale,'' added Holley.

''Not knowing what he's doing, it's difficult to say when he would need to come back to play a part in the championship.
''With someone like Lee Byrne, I know our medical staff are watching him.

''He's training alongside us and doing things with us. Slowly but surely he will start doing more with the other players.

''I know I can get him on the bench and play him in a game (when he is fit to return) because he's doing all of the things that re-integrate him.

''For someone who's out of sight and out of mind, it's very difficult. I'd have to rely on our medical staff and our conditioners to tell me where he's at.''