TALISMAN Gavin Henson is to leave Bristol at the end of the season to link up with Welsh region Newport Gwent Dragons.

Henson, 35, will return to Wales from Bristol on a two-year contract this summer.

The double Six Nations Grand Slam winner won the last of his 33 Wales caps in 2011.

Henson, whose previous teams include the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues, London Welsh and Bath, is currently involved in Bristol's battle against relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

His contract with Bristol expires this season. The club are facing a seemingly impossible task to save their Premiership status after a crucial loss to Worcester Warriors last Sunday week.

Bristol face Gloucester on Saturday week in a must-win game. They play the final match against Newcastle but, between those, they face three teams – Saracens, Wasps and Exeter Chiefs – who are all in the Premiership play-off zone and are expected to be far too tough for Bristol to get much in the way of much-needed points from.

Henson, who has played fly-half, centre and full-back during his career, told the Dragons' official website: "I have really enjoyed my time at Bristol, but when the opportunity came along to join the Dragons and return to Wales, I couldn't say no.

"I still have loads to offer, and I know what Kingsley (Jones, the Dragons head coach) wants from me.”

Jones added: "This is a hugely important signing, and exactly what we need to complement our existing squad.

"I am delighted that Gavin sees the potential within the region and that he is excited about the prospect of assisting this group of backs with their development.

"Having worked with Gavin previously, I am fully aware that he will bring critical experience on the field and inside the training environment."

Henson, whose career has been affected by a number of injury setbacks, helped Wales achieve Six Nations title and Grand Slam glory in 2005 and 2008.

But he is still performing at a high level in the domestic arena, as illustrated by an outstanding recent display when Bristol beat their West Country Premiership rivals Bath.