Gavin Henson suspended by Toulon over discipline

Alex Lowe,Pa
Monday 18 April 2011 13:07 BST
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Gavin Henson has been suspended by Toulon for one week for a breach of club discipline.

The Wales international, who helped Toulon to a 21-9 victory over Toulouse on his second start for the club last weekend, will miss next Saturday's crucial game against Perpignan.

Toulon confirmed in a brief statement that Henson would be sidelined for a week following a "non compliance with the code of conduct set by the club"

Toulon are currently one place and one point outside of the Top 14 play-offs.

If they fail to qualify, Henson will have just one regular season game left to prove his World Cup credentials to Wales coach Warren Gatland.

Henson joined Toulon in February after he had returned from an 18-month sabbatical with a brief and unsuccessful spell at Saracens.

Toulon would not comment further on what the 29-year-old had done to incur the suspension.

Henson, who scored a try on his Toulon debut against Stade Francais, is chasing a new contract with the club, having originally signed until the end of the season.

Toulon coach Philippe Saint-Andre has already admitted he may not be able to accommodate Henson, Jonny Wilkinson and Matt Giteau, especially if they are all involved in the World Cup.

Henson has not played for Wales since the 2009 Six Nation but he has targeted a return to international rugby in time for the World Cup in New Zealand.

Wales backs coach Rob Howley said earlier this month Henson could make his international return in this summer's pre-World Cup internationals.

"We're watching Gavin very closely and he'll certainly come into the mix in our Rugby World Cup preparation," Howley said.

"(We want) to give him an opportunity because he's spent a long time out.

"He looks very fit. We all know Gavin's strengths, he's a very accomplished player, very skilful and he's very confident in his own rugby ability.

"His ability to play 12 or 13, with a kick, run, pass option, he is a very confident rugby player. I think that his game-time is going to be monitored between now and the end of the season."

Henson now has one fewer matches to impress both Toulon and Wales.

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