Gavin Henson returns in Toulon defeat

Gavin Henson in action for Toulon
Gavin Henson is hoping for a long-term deal with Toulon

Gavin Henson's return following his ban by Toulon ended in a 27-3 defeat at Montpellier to kill off their French Top 14 play-off hopes.

Henson, 29, had been given a one-week ban after an incident with his team-mates in a nightclub and Toulon then opted not to sack him.

But Henson's season is now over after he came off the bench for the second half of Toulon's heavy defeat.

Henson retains hopes of making Wales' 2011 World Cup squad.

Toulon have yet to announce whether Henson will remain with them beyond his current stint, but the player's agent, Matt Ginvert, says the Welshman hopes to secure a future in the south of France.

National coach Warren Gatland must decide whether or not to give a chance to a player who last appeared for his country in a Test in the 2009 Six Nations.

Gatland played down the incidents that saw Henson and Wales number eight Andy Powell hit the headlines.

Wasps parted company with Powell after an investigation into the player's part in an incident in a west London bar that ended with him receiving stitches to a head wound.

Henson joined Toulon in March, having left the Ospreys for Saracens in October following a lengthy absence due to injury and personal problems.