Rugby round-up: Henson suspended over incident on flight home

Today, Dai Young will give the experienced USA centre Paul Emerick (pictured) and the young Anglo-Australian-Tongan flanker Billy Vunipola a chance to put things right, in place of the injured Dom Waldouck and Jonathan Poff (Getty Images)

Gavin Henson has been suspended by Cardiff Blues with immediate effect following a drink-related incident on the team's return flight from Glasgow yesterday morning.

The troubled Welsh centre joined the Blues on an eight-month contract in October but has failed to become a regular fixture in their side. The game in Glasgow, a 31-3 defeat, was only his eighth appearance for the club.

Exeter Chiefs remain in the hunt for a Premiership play-off place after a 18-11 victory over London Irish at Sandy Park. James Hanks and Gonzalo Camacho scored the Chiefs' tries, one in each half, and Ignacio Mieres kicked two penalties and a conversion; Irish's Tom Homer scored a try and kicked two penalties.

Exeter's coach Rob Baxter said: "I thought we showed tremendous endeavour but we also missed gilt-edged opportunities to score points. But those opportunities were there because we played well, we moved the ball around the pitch well, got into space well and kept possession very well."

Wasps, who are at home to Gloucester today, are in rather urgent need of a win, Newcastle's victory over Sale on Friday having brought the Falcons to within four points at the bottom. Wasps have won only once in their last 11 games.

Director of rugby Dai Young will select the experienced USA centre Paul Emerick and young Anglo-Australian-Tongan flanker Billy Vunipola in place of the injured Dom Waldouck and Jonathan Poff.

The England Saxons centre Henry Trinder has recovered from a broken jaw to start for Gloucester.

Leinster beat their Irish provincial rivals Munster 18-9 in a disappointing Pro12 clash at Thomond Park.

Jonathan Sexton's three penalties helped Leinster to a 9-3 lead at half-time with Ronan O'Gara replying for Munster as scrappy scrum exchanges affected the Limerick contest.

Two O'Gara penalties levelled the game before Sexton put Leinster ahead again. A Fergus McFadden penalty and Ian Madigan's late drop goal gave the visitors a deserved win.

The Ospreys overwhelmed their Italian visitors 41-10, the bonus-point win putting the Welsh region back into the play-off places.