Henson’s Toulon career hangs in the balance

GAVIN HENSON’S ill-fated Toulon career hangs on tenterhooks after the club denied reports that they had sacked the 29-year-old centre, instead saying that no decision would be announced for at least another 48 hours.

It had been assumed that Henson’s time in Toulon was up when the club owner, Mourad Boudjellal, was reported last Friday as saying: “He has been difficult to manage.”

Indeed several French rugby sites confirmed his departure yesterday at lunchtime.

The club said it was remaining silent on the issue but did say Boudjellal was even denying that he had spoken to journalists on Friday.

“We are not saying anything or giving any guidance,” said Tom Whitford, the club’s manager.

Former Welsh international Henson was suspended and made the subject of a club inquiry after it was alleged that he had fought with an Australian team-mate, Matt Henjak, and bad-mouthed both Jonny Wilkinson and the club captain Joe van Niekerk, during celebrations of the win over Toulouse a fortnight ago.

Henson quit Saracens to join Toulon on a five-month deal in February hoping to convince head coach Philippe Saint-Andre to give him a new two-year deal, as well as reviving his Wales career ahead of the world cup.

But he has only made two appearances for the Top 14 club.

The former Ospreys man now looks certain to miss out on an international return and faces an uncertain future.