Henson hopes to return to the heights in 2006/7

"Watching the football on TV and seeing how massive an event it is has just brought back to me the hurt of missing the last rugby World Cup," he said.

"Maybe rugby isn't the same level but it's still big, especially in Wales.

"The Cup is one of the reasons I didn't tour to Argentina. It may be seen as a bit selfish, but I had to do it."

Former Wales coach Steve Hansen left the Pencoed man out of his squad for the 2003 World Cup in Australia, the decision to take Garan Evans in his place outraging Henson.

He later established himself as a major player for Wales under Mike Ruddock, playing a key role in last year's Grand Slam and making the Lions Test side.

I just hope that England don't win the football World Cup, the TV forgets that they're also going out to Ireland, Scotland and Wales Gavin Henson

His 2005/6 season was wrecked by injury and suspension, but new Wales coach Gareth Jenkins selected the 24-year-old inside centre for the two Test tour of Argentina.

"I didn't expect selection and was surprised, but I went to the coaches and explained my situation," Henson told BBC Sport Wales.

"I felt I was on a treadmill and needed to get off. It was a huge relief when I withdrew from the trip and now I can target next season."

Henson and Charlotte Church are paparazzi favourites

Henson was one of 21 senior players missing the Pumas series for a variety of reasons, a young Wales side falling to a battling defeat in Puerto Madryn before being hammered in Buenos Aires.

Meanwhile, Henson was again making the headlines, the paparazzi catching him holidaying with celebrity girlfriend Charlotte Church.

"Whatever the media makes out, I'm pretty boring to be honest," said Henson.

"I've been quiet at home with Charlotte, getting my training going and eating a lot to try to build my weight back up.

"I've been watching some of the World Cup, I love seeing Cristiano Ronaldo playing.

"I just hope that England don't win. The TV forgets that they're also going out to Ireland, Scotland and Wales; if England win we'll never hear the end of it!

"Charlotte would like to go on holiday six or seven times a year, but I can't usually do that.

"We've taken advantage this summer to go to Dubai and the Seychelles, that was fantastic.

Me and Justin Marshall may be battling for the mirror, but the Ospreys can do something special in Europe Gavin Henson

"The paparazzi caught up with us in Dubai, but no-one did in the Seychelles. It was really quiet, just a few other couples - no-one asked for our autographs or anything!"

Henson returns to Ospreys training this week, and he insists that the side have not been daunted by a horrible Heineken Cup draw that has landed them with Stade Francais, Sale Sharks and Calvisano.

"Heineken groups are never easy, but we beat Stade in our home game last year, we've made some great signings and have to fancy our chances of doing something special," said Henson.

"Signing Justin Marshall showed just how ambitious the club are - although from what I hear we may be battling for the mirror next season!

"It will also be good to see Ryan Jones back on the field again rather than on the television!

"We have a great squad and the facilities to match. The Ospreys are going to be one of the biggest regions in Europe, that's why I signed a new four-year deal last season."