Controversial Welsh rugby union centre Gavin Henson has apologised for drinking and “behaving inappropriately” on a team flight.
The 30-year-old Cardiff Blues player was suspended by his club side for the incident which took place as the team flew back from Scotland following a 31-3 Celtic League defeat by Glasgow on Friday.
“I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight, which is inappropriate behaviour,” Henson said on Sunday.
Cardiff Blues said on Saturday he was suspended “with immediate effect” following the incident, while airline company Flybe launched an investigation of their own.
“I am releasing this statement in relation to the press reports and the fact that I have been suspended by the Cardiff Blues for drinking on a flight returning to Cardiff from Glasgow on Saturday 31st March,” Henson added.
“I would like to publicly apologise for drinking on that flight which is inappropriate behaviour.
“I admit I had been out drinking in Glasgow on the Friday night following our game against Glasgow Warriors and had stupidly carried on drinking on the flight, for which I am truly embarrassed about.
“I can see that drinking and behaving inappropriately on that flight as a professional sportsman at 7am (0600GMT) has caused offence to members of the public, the Flybe Airline staff and passengers.
“I know that I have let my team-mates, coaches, management, sponsors and indeed my family down with my actions. Drinking on that plane was inexcusable and I know that I must take responsibility for it.
“I also accept that in the light of this I need to learn from it and ensure this does not happen again.
“I am prepared to co-operate 100 percent with the Cardiff Blues wishes and will do everything that I need to do in order to make amends and enable the Blues to focus on our biggest game of the season next weekend.
“I remain fully focused and committed to Cardiff Blues and I hope they can accept my apology,” added Henson, whose contract with the club expires at the end of the current European season.
Flybe’s statement said: “With regard to flight BE3431 from Glasgow to Cardiff on March 31, Flybe can confirm it is gathering information from its own staff as well as those at both airports and will make no further comment at this time.”
Cardiff officials will meet on Monday to discuss the incident, and Henson will now be doubtful for Saturday’s European Cup quarter-final against Leinster in Dublin.
Henson, capped 33 times by Wales, signed for Cardiff in October on a short-term contract, after brief spells with Saracens and Toulon following his 2010 departure from Welsh regional side the Ospreys.
He was named in Wales’ provisional 45-man squad for the World Cup but a wrist injury ended his hopes of going to New Zealand.
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