An army of photographers greeted the Ospreys squad when they arrived for their first day of pre-season training today. The snappers were not looking for a shot of the Magners League trophy but a sighting of a player who has not been seen in rugby kit for 15 months: Gavin Henson.

There had been speculation that the 28-year-old, who took an unpaid leave of absence last July and has not been in contact with the Ospreys' management since, would turn up for training with a view to resuming his career a year before the World Cup in New Zealand. He has yet to play for Wales at a World Cup.

But Henson did not make an appearance, leaving the photographers, who had also turned up at the Ospreys' training base in Llandarcy the previous Monday in the mistaken belief that that was the day pre-season training started, with nothing to shoot again. The region's Wales internationals were also absent, having been given extra time off after last month's tour to New Zealand.

The Ospreys said they had no comment to make, pointing out that Henson's position had not changed. He will remain on unpaid leave of absence until he indicates a wish to resume his career.

Henson, who split from his long-term partner, Charlotte Church, this year has a year left on his contract with the region. He will not be released early. The Ospreys' director, Mike Cuddy, said earlier this year that he expected Henson to resume his career in the new season.

The Wales and Lions centre is reported to have given an interview to a Sunday newspaper, for publication this weekend. The Ospreys are proceeding on the basis that Henson will be continuing his leave of absence.

The Wales coach, Warren Gatland, is anxious for Henson to return, as the team's defence has struggled in his absence.

"We should not underestimate the significance of Gavin not being available," Gatland said, at the end of last season. "I would like to see him back."