Henson comeback hit as Toulon ban Wales centre
WALES star Gavin Henson’s hopes of returning to the Test side ahead of this year’s World Cup have taken a hit after he was given a one-week suspension by his club side Toulon.
The 29-year-old has only started two games for his new team but Toulon confirmed yesterday that Henson would be sidelined for a week following “non compliance with the code of conduct set by the club”.
The big-spending French side, who signed Henson on a short-term contract in February, refused to give any more details but reports have suggested he was involved in a scuffle with team-mates.
Henson, whose preferred position is centre but can also play fly-half and full-back, has had problems on and off the pitch in the last 18 months.
Following injury and the break-up of his relationship with singer Charlotte Church, with whom he has two children, he took an extended break from rugby.
He returned to the game in December with Saracens but was released after just four appearances.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Henson had been hoping for a return to the fold after two years in the international wilderness.
Henson scored a try on his Toulon debut against Stade Francais two weeks ago and helped his side to a 21-9 victory over Toulouse at the weekend but will now miss next week’s key clash with Perpignan.