I loved watching Gavin Henson play, says Jacob Beetham

When Jacob Beetham thinks back to the players he most enjoyed watching when growing up, one name stands out – Gavin Henson.

Now he has the opportunity to follow in Henson’s footsteps, below, by playing for Wales at the Principality Stadium, having been selected in the squad for the autumn internationals.

“I loved coming down to watch the games at the stadium,” says the Brecon-born utility back.

“I guess it was the golden era with Gavin Henson, Shane Williams, James Hook and all those boys playing.

Dream come true

“I did love watching Henson play. He was a class act on the pitch.

“There are so many players I could name from that era, but I really liked watching him play.

“More recently, there’s been the likes of Sam Warburton, George North, Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny. I used to look up to them so much.

“So, if I get a chance to play in the stadium, it will definitely be a dream come true and something I’ve worked really hard to try and do.”

Beetham – whose one cap to date came as a replacement against South Africa at Twickenham in June of last year – is already following Henson’s example in terms of his versatility.

So far this season, the 24-year-old has already played in four different positions for Cardiff – fullback, wing, outside and inside centre – while former Wales head coach Warren Gatland once talked of him as a potential flyhalf.

Versatile: Jacob Beetham in Welsh colours
PICTURES: Getty Images

Main goal

“I’ve been switching positions, which has been new, but it’s been good,” Beetham says. “I have been back on the park playing and that was my main goal coming back from my ankle injury, getting some minutes.

“It’s definitely been something new, but I feel like I’ve embraced it and just gone with it.

“If someone wants me to do a job somewhere, I will always back myself.”

As for his preferred position, he replies: “I couldn’t really give you a firm answer. I am still figuring that out myself.

“Genuinely, it can vary from game to game. If I am involved in the game, getting my hands on the ball, getting involved, that’s what I enjoy.

“At the end of the day, if I come off the pitch and I am not broken, I am happy.

“I will back myself with whatever position or whatever the coaches or the team need me to do.

“I will do my absolute best and hardest to do a job there whether it’s for Cardiff or for Wales.”