GAVIN Henson has sent a warning shot across the bows of the All Blacks as the British Lions arrive in New Zealand for their 11-match, three-Test tour.

Henson, sporting red-coloured hair and shepherded by that rather well known media guru Alistair Campbell, was the centre of attention for all the media at yesterday's final gathering before departure from their Vale of Glamorgan base.

And centre is where Henson expects to play on the tour and challenge for a Test spot, insisting that he wants to be remembered for playing in all three of them.

The warning Henson fired at the All Blacks is that he's raring to go after a break of six weeks, an enforced absence due to a groin injury.

"The preparations have been awesome," he told the media scrum. "I've had this groin problem since November and it's been difficult to manage.

"But Clive (Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward) gave me another week off and it feels fine now. I can't wait to get out there and get started now. I'm really bursting for it and I can't wait to put the Lions kit on and see how it all is.

"I didn't play on Monday (against Argentina) and, so I hope to be involved in the first game in New Zealand.

"I want to be remembered for starting all the Tests and being part of a Lions team which wins the Test series."

Asked whether he expects to start at centre, where he played for Wales through the recent triumphant Six Nations though he also plays full back and outside half, Henson replied, "I wouldn't know what position I'll play in, but I'm down as a centre so I suppose that's where I'll be given a chance.

"The players going on the tour are all world class and it's great to play with them. The last two training sessions we have moved up another notch."

Henson dwarfed even Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll and fellow superstar Jonny Wilkinson when it came to media attention hours before departure, though no-one mentioned girlfriend Charlotte Church.

Explaining his red hair and his reaction to the media focus, he joked: "The hair matches the kit, I like to look good and feel the part.

"I'm feeling more confident dealing with the Press and things like that, it's awkward but I'm learning to deal with it.

"I never get nervous and I'm enjoying every second of it so far.

"I can't imagine the attention in New Zealand being any more than I get here, but I'll be all right, I'll do my talking on the field."