## Gavin Henson Lifts Lid on Awkward 2005 Lions Tour Photo as Tensions Revealed
With the renewed buzz surrounding the British and Irish Lions, former Wales star Gavin Henson has shed light on one of the most talked-about moments from the unforgettable 2005 tour to New Zealand. The much-publicised photograph of Henson walking alongside then-head coach Sir Clive Woodward has long been a point of speculation, and Henson’s reflections offer new insight into a turbulent chapter of rugby history.
The 2005 Lions tour, led by Woodward, was marked by controversy both on and off the field. Already under pressure from a host of bizarre decisions—including the hiring of political figure Alastair Campbell as the squad’s head of communications—the team’s challenges were compounded by an unusually large backroom staff and the decision to separate midweek squads from the Test side. Fans and pundits questioned Woodward’s heavy reliance on English players, particularly when he selected a less-than-fit Jonny Wilkinson for the first Test, at the expense of Henson, who had just come off a starring role in Wales’ Grand Slam campaign.
Amid fierce scrutiny, the now-famous image of Henson and Woodward strolling together was released. Speaking on this week’s episode of *Stick to Rugby*, Henson revealed that what looked like a candid moment was, in fact, orchestrated. “They obviously thought I needed controlling because of my profile at the time, but I was just there to play rugby,” Henson recalled. He continued, “Having to spend all that time with Alastair Campbell was just awkward and weird. The photo with Clive was staged—they wanted it to look like there wasn’t any tension, but it all felt very forced.”
Lawrence Dallaglio, who featured as a co-host on the podcast and had roomed with Henson at the start of the tour, shared his own memories of that period. Dallaglio remembered Henson’s now-legendary attention to appearance—even mistaking the aftermath of a fake tan application for a mishap. “I woke up one morning, saw his bed covered in something and thought the worst!” Dallaglio quipped. “But it just smelled like biscuits… turned out to be his fake tan!” The anecdote light-heartedly highlighted how Henson’s public persona preceded him, adding another layer to the perception issues within the Lions setup.
Though Henson had arrived at the tour on a high, it would ultimately be his only appearance for the Lions. An injury during his single Test outing consigned him to the sidelines for the remainder of the tour. The sense of what could have been still lingers, exacerbated by choices made around team selection and management strategy.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s first Test in Australia, the former Ospreys and Toulon man spoke of his hopes for Jac Morgan—the solitary Welshman remaining in Andy Farrell’s squad following Tomos Williams’ injury. “We’re lucky to have two such good players in the squad. Hopefully Jac gets his chance as a starter—he’s been superb,” Henson remarked, expressing the pride and expectation that comes with the red jersey.
Meanwhile, discussion on the podcast turned to the prospects for this year’s Lions team. Dallaglio suggested head coach Farrell might have a few “tricks up his sleeve” against Australia. Scott Quinnell, another prominent figure on the episode, predicted a Lions clean sweep in the series, while Henson struck a more cautious note: “I’ve got a feeling we might lose the first Test, but let’s see.”
The complexities of personalities, management decisions, and media perception continue to shape narratives surrounding international rugby tours. Henson’s candid recollections offer a reminder that behind every public photo and selection sheet lies a web of individual experiences and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. As the Lions prepare to renew rivalries on the global stage, the stories of tours past provide both context and caution for those eager to shape new legacies.
The 2005 tour remains infamous for its challenges—a patchwork of ambition, tension, and the sheer unpredictability that touring with the Lions invariably brings. With the latest series about to kick-off, all eyes will now turn to whether new heroes can emerge, and if lessons have truly been learnt from one of rugby’s most scrutinised expeditions.