THE WELSH Rugby Union have used Gavin Henson in a marketing campaign for the new Wales jersey just hours after it was revealed the Ospreys centre is to appear on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The 28-year-old’s future has been the subject of intense speculation since he went on indefinite unpaid leave from the Ospreys last summer, and he has not played since suffering an ankle injury in the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final defeat against Gloucester in March of 2009.

Henson, who has 31 caps, had stated his desire to appear for Wales at next year’s World Cup earlier this week, but his decision to appear on the TV series means he could potentially be unavailable to return to the game in any form until just before Christmas.

That would leave the former British and Irish Lion, who has a year left on his Ospreys contract, with limited time to prove his form and fitness to Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

The unveiling of the new jersey marks the start of insurance firm Admiral’s three-year sponsorship of the national team and, speaking in a WRU release, Henson said: “As a passionate Welshman I have always felt a great sense of pride whenever I have had the privilege of being able to wear the national jersey and this occasion was no different.”

The two-time Grand Slam winner had said earlier in the week: “I’ve never been to a Rugby World Cup which is coming up in 2011 and I’m thinking about training for that.”