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16:32 GMT, Friday, 10 October 2008 17:32 UK

Henson accepts ban from Ospreys

Gavin Henson

Gavin Henson admitted he reacted poorly to criticism after accepting a two-match Ospreys ban imposed after the Wales star missed a training session.

"Having received management feedback as part of a review of the Ospreys' last home game, I reacted poorly," he said.

"I fully accept the decision and the penalty imposed and look forward to rejoining my team-mates on the field."

The Ospreys ace will miss the opening two Heineken Cup games, at Leicester on Sunday and home to Perpignan next week.

An Ospreys statement read: "Gavin is excluded from the next two Ospreys fixtures following a rugby-related internal disciplinary decision."

"Having signed up to the Ospreys code of conduct introduced earlier this year, I was part of a disciplinary decision from the Ospreys leadership group"
Gavin Henson

Henson had been called into a meeting with the Ospreys coaches on Tuesday to discuss his performance against Harlequins on Sunday - his first full game for five months after suffering an ankle injury.

The Wales centre then failed to attend Wednesday's training session, before turning up on Thursday when he was told of his suspension.

"I reacted poorly and additionally took unauthorised leave to consider the matters raised," said Henson in a media statement.

"Having signed up to the Ospreys code of conduct introduced earlier this year, I was part of a disciplinary decision from the Ospreys leadership group, which consists of senior players and rugby management."

The 2005 Lion has been pencilled in to play for Swansea at Newport in the Welsh Premiership on 18 October, the same day that Perpignan visit the Liberty Stadium in the Heineken Cup.

606: DEBATE
"If Henson wasn't match fit, he could've been dropped instead of this ban. It's ruined his hopes for the autumn Tests. Ospreys get a head coach!"
WelshLadGareth

Henson's ban is the latest controversy to affect a career that has often been dogged by off-field events.

His absence is a further blow to the Ospreys midfield as long-term partner Sonny Parker is also absent from the Heineken Cup opener against the Tigers due to a chest muscle injury.

It is not known if the ban could affect Henson's chances of playing for Wales during the autumn Tests against South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

But he has a lack of match practice, having started only one game this season, the Ospreys' 18-17 EDF Energy Cup win over Harlequins on Sunday at Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

Henson's first appearance following the ankle injury came against Ulster in the Magners League when he came off the bench after 63 minutes in a 43-0 win, also at the Liberty Stadium.



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Related to this story:

Leicester v Ospreys (Sun) (10 Oct 08 |  Rugby Union )
Heineken Cup 2008/9 (17 Jul 08 |  Rugby Union )
Ospreys 24-23 Harlequins (05 Oct 08 |  Rugby Union )
Ospreys 43-0 Ulster (27 Sep 08 |  Ospreys )
Henson should stay at 12 - Davies (06 Oct 08 |  Welsh )
Henson will miss start of season (01 Jul 08 |  Ospreys )
Henson signs new Ospreys contract (21 Jul 08 |  Ospreys )
Henson eager to make Wales return (19 Nov 07 |  Welsh )
Wales will welcome Henson return (09 Feb 06 |  Internationals )
Henson's ban reduced after appeal (10 Jan 06 |  European Club )
Henson ban hits Six Nations hopes (23 Dec 05 |  European Club )
Wales' rugby fixtures (26 Jun 07 |  Welsh )
Welsh Premiership (11 Apr 07 |  Welsh )
Scrum V's Welsh rugby webguide (14 Aug 07 |  Welsh )
Coming up next on Scrum V... (04 Sep 08 |  Welsh )
BBC Sport Wales coverage (23 Mar 08 |  Wales )

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