'Embarrassed' Gavin Henson says Bath have moved on from incident with Carl Fearns

But Wales rugby star has challenged his 24-year-old team-mate to a charity boxing match at the end of the season to regain his dignity

Gavin Henson (l) is floored by Bath teammate Carl Fearns (r) (GETTY IMAGES)

Gavin Henson has admitted his embarrassment at his latest off-field incident after he was knocked-out by Bath team-mate Carl Fearns.

Henson was left prone on the floor of the city centre pub ‘The Pig and Fiddle’ after a right-hook from Fearns in a drunken argument. Both players were fined and handed an official warning for their part in the fracas, which came on a pre-season social evening just a month after Henson had joined the club.

"It wasn't a great start to my Bath career and I'd like to put that behind me," Henson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Hopefully I can get out on the field and people will see me as just a rugby player.

"That wasn't a great moment but you have to have these team bonding sessions. Daft things seem to happen when I go out.

"It was a bit embarrassing and not a great thing for the club, but I like to think the squad grew closer together after that.

"I had a big headache that day and I went down quite easily. Maybe we will have a charity boxing match at the end of the year so I can get a bit of respect back."

Henson was released at the end of last season after London Welsh were relegated, putting the former Wales international on the look-out for a new club when Bath came calling.

The 31-year-old admitted he was surprised when another Premiership side expressed their interest in signing him, having also played for Saracens in the English top flight.

"I was surprised. I'm getting on a little bit and the last three or four years have been mixed in my rugby career - with injuries and form," he said.

"I was just so happy to get this opportunity and I want to repay the coaches and gain the respect of my team-mates."

The Welshman’s ability to cover a number of positions has been largely seen throughout his career, with him earning 33 caps for his country at fly-half, centre and full-back. It is this versatility that has seen Bath take on the controversial star, and he is determined to repay them for their faith in him.

"I'm really lucky to be here and to have this opportunity. I'm enjoying every second of it," he added.

"My body is in great condition and if I can stay injury free then I'm confident my game will be up there and I can be in the first team."