Former Wales centre Gavin Henson has set his sights on playing for “another eight to ten years” as he prepares to relaunch his rugby career.

And Henson has also underlined his desire to be part of the Wales set-up again after completing a high-profile move from the Ospreys to Aviva Premiership club Saracens.

“I would like to think the best is yet to come from me – that is why I have got back in the game,” he said.

“I have done all right in the past, but I think I can play the game a lot better than what I have done. That is what drives me.

“I want to get back in there, I want to be a big name and regarded as a great player, so I have got a lot of work to do.

“I am 28 now and I do look after myself. I hope I can play rugby for another eight to 10 years, and I want every honour there is. I want to win things and be as good as I can be.”

There is no indication at this stage when Henson will feature for Saracens after quitting the Ospreys with seven months of his contract with the Welsh region remaining.

And there is the added complication of his commitments to the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing series, which could seriously restrict training and playing opportunities until Christmas.

Saracens say they recognise Henson’s ongoing commitment to the programme, stating: “The player’s path back to full match fitness will dovetail with his participation in the show.”

Henson, capped 31 times by Wales and a 2005 Test Lion in New Zealand, has not played rugby since going on unpaid leave from the Ospreys 18 months ago following the latest in a series of injury setbacks.

“I was looking to get back into rugby and I wanted to be at a London club because I have opportunities off the field in rugby, so I thought it was best to be around here where I am not so well recognised,” he added.

“I am pretty confident that if I am playing well and getting into the Saracens team then international honours will follow, irrespective of where I am playing.

“I wouldn’t have thought that would be a problem, but we will have to see.

“I don’t think anyone from the WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) has spoken to my agent saying that if I go to England then I won’t be able play for Wales.

“If I am playing really well and I am top of my game, it would be hard for them to leave me out.

“Saracens know my desire to play for Wales again is really strong. That is basically why I got back into rugby, because I missed playing for my country, so they won’t stand in my way because they know how keen I am to play for Wales.”