However, the forecast is far healthier than an initially predicted six month lay-off that would have ruled the centre out of Wales' autumn Test series and their RBS 6 Nations title defence.

The British & Irish Lions centre travelled to Germany for consultation with a Munich-based groin specialist and an operation was carried out on Friday September 9.

The Ospreys, Henson's Welsh regional team, say he is expected to make a swift recovery, beginning his rehabilitation within a week.

Henson was diagnosed as suffering from damage to his pubic synthesis, a joint where the pubic bones meet each other, which was being prevented from healing due to a hernia in the groin.

The 23-year-old had been nursing a groin problem for several months but anti-inflammatory injections and careful injury management saw him through last season's RBS 6 Nations and the Lions tour of New Zealand.

A decision was taken to operate on the hernia as soon as possible and the Ospreys are hopeful of Henson playing again within four to eight weeks.

Wales launch their autumn Test schedule against Tri-Nations champions New Zealand in Cardiff on November 5, which is followed by appointments with Fiji, South Africa and Australia.

Of more immediate concern to the Ospreys will be Henson recovering in time for their opening European Cup games against Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne during late October.

''We are delighted that Gavin's operation has been a success,'' said Ospreys rugby manager Derwyn Jones.

''He is in extremely capable hands, and is on course to make a full recovery which should see him back playing with the Ospreys within a matter of weeks.''