Gavin Henson insists that he has “no intention” of quitting the sport after reports that the Wales and Ospreys centre was considering early retirement.

Reports yesterday suggested that the 27-year-old, who is recovering from a groin injury, had become disillusioned with the sport. After a meeting with his club executives last night, however, Henson said: “I've certainly been having difficulties with the recurring injury but I have absolutely no intention of quitting the game.

“I'm receiving the best medical care to help me address the injury problem and I'm sure that I'll be able to put it behind me in the very near future.”

The latest twist in Henson's chequered career occurred over the weekend when it was reported that the player, the boyfriend of Charlotte Church, the millionaire singer with whom he has two children, was fed up with the grind of rugby.

It was said that he wanted to concentrate more on his newfound passion for sailing - the couple having recently bought a yacht. Despite his undoubted talent, Henson, with his celebrity lifestyle and off-field antics, has regularly made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Henson started all ten matches of Wales's grand-slam campaigns in 2005 and 2008 but his career has been plagued by injury and issues away from the pitch. He started two of Wales's nine internationals last season because of Achilles tendon, calf and groin problems, and was ruled out of the Lions tour after damaging ankle ligaments during the Ospreys' EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat by Gloucester.

Wales and Ospreys fans will welcome his assertion that he is not retiring, as did Shaun Edwards, the Wales assistant coach, who hailed Henson last night as “one the best players I have ever worked with. He is the consummate professional.”

Edwards, also head coach at London Wasps, defended the player's reputation. “I have never had any trouble with him,” he said. “He has his own ideas but he is very coachable. He is a pleasure to work with and certainly one of the best defensive players I have been involved with.”

Mike Cuddy, the Ospreys managing director, said: “It's been very difficult for Gavin having to deal with various rumours about his retirement at a time when he is trying to recover from injury and get match-fit.

“Gavin Henson has played a significant part in the success of the Ospreys to date and we're looking forward to seeing him perform again next season.

“He is a genuine talent and an asset to both the Ospreys and the Welsh team, and while I know that he was extremely disappointed to miss out on the recent Lions tour, he is looking forward to re-entering the top tier of the game again in the coming season and beyond.”