Gavin Henson's career hits skids after Toulon axe

Gavin Henson's stop-start career is in more turmoil after the Wales Rugby Union summoned him for a meeting following reports that Toulon have decided to sack the player after playing only two games for the French club.

Henson, who arrived at Toulon in February, was suspended after becoming involved in a brawl with team-mates earlier this month. Reports from France yesterday suggested Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has decided the Welshman will not play for the Top 14 outfit again, leaving his future in question.

The news was swiftly followed by a statement from the WRU, calling for Henson to attend a meeting with WRU 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, 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.

The 29-year-old 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 short spell with Saracens, now looks certain to miss out on an international return.

Henson last played for Wales in the 2009 RBS Six 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.

What has followed since has not gone to plan and with official confirmation of his exit from Toulon still pending, Henson's next move is uncertain.

Meanwhile, Racing Metro and France forward Sebastien Chabal could be sanctioned for his criticism of referees if the French Rugby Federation has its way.

Chabal overtly questioned the quality of refs in the Top 14 in a recent interview with Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper ahead of the release of his autobiography this week.

"Top 14 referees are rubbish," Chabal said. "There are only two or three who are pros, and then again I'd like to know what it is they really do."

The FFR said in a statement on Tuesday that it "has decided to refer the matter to the National Rugby League's disciplinary commission so that a disciplinary procedure be opened" against Chabal.The LNR has yet to say whether it will do so. The 33-year-old Chabal has 62 caps for France either as a No 8 or a lock.

Chabal also alleged referees were biased for Biarritz and Castres, in particular, prompting an angry response from Biarritz president Serge Blanco.

Blanco, one of rugby's greatest players, mocked Chabal's achievements saying he "has not written one line" in French rugby history.

Chabal is expected to be named next month in France coach Marc Lievremont's squad for the World Cup this year in New Zealand.