Henson Gate: A Wicked Web is Spun

By PaulF
July 11 2005

Lions spin doctor Alistair Campbell arranged for Gavin Henson to be photographed with Clive Woodward, without the player's knowledge.

The Sunday Times claims that Campbell conspired to put a positive spin on Woodwards' disgraceful decision to axe Henson for the first test, by deliberately misrepresenting the centre.

The spin doctor allegedly arranged for a photographer to secretly snap both Henson and Woodward together, without the Welshman having any knowledge of it, at a closed training session.

The photographer claims that he was asked by the Lions' media department to take the picture, without the players knowledge, subsequently he hid behind a car and set himself up with a distance lens. When Woodward emerged with Henson to ensure a good enough shot, they walked a designated route.

"We'll organise a picture and we'll organise some words. Why - is there some dispute about this?"

Asked why the photographer was not visible to Henson, Campbell said, "This is ridiculous.

"He was an agency photographer. If he wants to go and whine and whinge about the way the photo was set up, that's a matter for him.

"I told the photographer, 'Clive is very keen to be seen with Gavin because he doesn't want people to think he is dumping Gavin.'

"So that was a positive thing to do for the player. If you think that is some great conspiracy, it's pathetic."

The newspaper asked Campbell, "Was Henson used in a photo he didn't even know was being taken?"

Campbell replied, "When Gavin Henson is on the training field, does he know he is being photographed? I think you're being absurd."

At the time only bland quotes had been associated with the Osprey, curiously being the only player not selected to be quoted, saying that he was OK with his omission in a release from the Lions media department. The setup picture also appeared alongside

Days' later however his true disappointment emerged in an interview with a press agency.

Henson's agent Peter Underhill confirmed the Welsh star had no idea of what was happening.

"Gavin was not aware of there being a photographer and he was not briefed," said Underhill.