Gavin Henson Looks Totally Different After Retiring from Rugby — Now Pulls Pints at His Own Pub

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Former Wales international rugby player Gavin Henson has embarked on a surprising career shift, transitioning from the rugby field to becoming the proud proprietor of a local pub in St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan.

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Henson, renowned for his high-profile relationship with singer Charlotte Church, took over The Fox And Hounds in 2020, rebranding it simply as The Fox.

The stone-built establishment, a longstanding pillar of the community, underwent a significant transformation under Henson’s ownership, with the rugby star investing in the freehold and commissioning extensive renovations.

This venture marks a notable departure for Henson, who, in his earlier years, faced challenges that led to reports of being barred from numerous bars and pubs in Cardiff following a tumultuous night out.

Despite his sporting background, Henson has seamlessly transitioned into his role as a pub landlord, earning praise from patrons who commend his amiable demeanor and willingness to engage with visitors. Reviews on TripAdvisor attest to his approachability, with guests expressing delight at Henson’s readiness to pose for photographs and extend gratitude for their patronage.

One reviewer shared, “The owner – Gavin Henson – was working the same day and didn’t hesitate when I asked him for a photo. Genuinely lovely guy, he even thanked us for our visit!” Another lauded Henson’s dedication, stating, “Gavin Henson is one in a million. He was 100-percent on the rugby pitch, and he’s 100-percent with his pub.”

Reflecting on his personal life, Henson’s relationship with Charlotte Church, which began in 2005 and saw them engaged five years later, was highlighted. The couple shares two children, Ruby, 14, and Dexter, 13, but separated in 2010, merely six weeks after their engagement.

Telegraph picks a 'wasted talent XV' with three England internationals included

According to The Telegraph, a Rugby XV of wasted talent has been selected, taking into consideration the following criteria: players must have earned 10 caps or fewer for their respective countries, their international rugby careers must be concluded, and they must have been capped at least once (uncapped players are excluded).

15. Isa Nacewa (Fiji, one cap)

14. James Simpson-Daniel (England, 10 caps)

They wrote: “Injuries hampered Simpson-Daniel's ability to regularly break into an all-conquering England side, but his days with Gloucester showed his electric brilliance, while no one will forget in a hurry his burning of Jonah Lomu against the Barbarians. Leaving out the wasted talent of Christian Wade or the crude strength and pace of Joeli Vidiri was tough.”

13. Philippe Bidabe (France, two caps)

12. Regan King (New Zealand, one cap)

11. Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji, eight caps)

They wrote: “Oh, what might have been. The grandest waste of talent in the history of rugby, "Caucau's" prowess on the world stage came and went in a flash, dazzling audiences and scorning defences at the 2003 World Cup. Years of wilderness and off-field indiscipline ensued, but those fortunate to watch Agen were treated to irregular glimpses of mastery in his later years.”

10. Alex King (England, five caps)

They wrote: “Stuart Barnes was a terrific fly-half, who should have got far more caps, but King was the beating heart of that splendid Wasps side who won a hat-trick of Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups – it took a certain Wilkinson to keep him out of the international spotlight.

“After his successes in conducting a back line on the field, he later turned his accomplished hand to conducting from the coaches’ box: first with Clermont; then Northampton and Wales; and now Montpellier.”

9. Julien Dupuy (France, eight caps)

1. Garry Pagel (South Africa, five caps)

They wrote: “A Gloucester legend, Azam made over 200 appearances for the Cherry and Whites and, such was his affinity with his surrogate homeland, he opened a restaurant in nearby Cheltenham. Nicknamed 'Ollie' by the Shed faithful, the combative, nuggety hooker was abrasive – sometimes on the wrong side of the law – but adroit, too.”

2. Olivier Azam (France, 10 caps)

3. Benoit Lecouls (France, six caps)

4. Alistair Hargreaves (South Africa, four caps)

5. Thibaut Privat (France, 10 caps)

6. Xavier Rush (New Zealand, eight caps)

7. Steffon Armitage (England, five caps)

They wrote: “It is a moot point as to what the former London Irish flanker might have achieved in an England shirt, at a time when his country was crying out for a rambunctious openside – 50 caps, perhaps? In a different life… He went on to pummel the Top 14 and still plays in France, for Biarritz. Toulouse’s elegant flanker, Jean Bouilhou, would be an admirable benchman.”

8. Henry Tuilagi (Samoa, 10 caps)

The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby

Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here's a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

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