WRU summon under-fire Gavin Henson for meeting

Confirmation of Gavin Henson's departure from Toulon is expected soon after a day of fevered speculation over the player's future with the club resulted in him being called to attend a meeting by the Welsh Rugby Union.

If Henson's time with the Top 14 side is indeed to end after just two appearances in as many months it will call into serious question his future as a top-level player.

The 29-year-old was suspended earlier this month after becoming involved in a brawl with team-mates following a victory over Toulouse.

Reports from France yesterday stated Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal had passed judgement on the incident and resolved to sever ties with Henson.

They were followed by a statement from the WRU, calling for Henson to attend a meeting with the union's group chief executive Roger Lewis and Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

Henson's one-time Wales team-mate Andy Powell, currently suspended by Wasps, who are investigating the circumstances of a pub brawl involving the back-rower, has also been asked to appear before Lewis and Gatland.

The WRU statement read: "Following recent reported incidents, WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis and Wales head coach Warren Gatland have requested meetings with Gavin Henson and Andy Powell over the course of the coming weeks.

"Until those meetings take place there will be no further comment from the WRU."

Henson joined Toulon on a short-term contract in February, hoping to earn a two-year deal as well as revive his Wales career ahead of the World Cup.

He was initially hampered by a hamstring injury, but made a try-scoring debut against Stade Francais and made his second start in the victory over Toulouse.

But the former Ospreys man, who joined Toulon after a brief spell with Saracens, now looks certain to miss out on an international return.

Henson last played for Wales in the 2009 RBS 6 Nations before a combination of personal problems and injuries prompted him to take unpaid leave from the Ospreys.

After some reality television appearances, he signed with Saracens to end an 18-month period out of the game.

That ended with his release after just four matches and what has followed since has not gone to plan. With official confirmation of his exit from Toulon still pending, Henson's next move is uncertain.