Rugby stars 'sorry' for night out

Gavin Henson (circled) photographed in Cardiff city centre

Four international rugby stars, including Gavin Henson, have been "rebuked" by the Welsh Rugby Union for their conduct during a night out.

The players - Henson, Andy Powell, Rhys Thomas and Jonathan Thomas - offered "sincere apologies", said the WRU.

The four were questioned, along with team-mates Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips, by team managers about what they were doing in Cardiff city centre on Sunday.

Henson in particular apologised to "any member of the public he offended".

All six players were warned about "their various levels of involvement".

Wales had beaten England 23-15 at the Millennium Stadium in the Six Nations the day before, when Byrne, Powell and Phillips all played.

Wales team manager Alan Phillips said he and head coach Warren Gatland had questioned the six players about "their presence in Cardiff city centre on the evening of Sunday, 15 February".

All six have been warned that "their various levels of involvement in events which took place will be taken into account in future if they are party to any incidents where misconduct is apparent by any squad members".

Players had met at the Queen's Vaults pub in Cardiff city centre

The WRU said Henson, Powell, Rhys Thomas and Jonathan Thomas were "rebuked" after each admitted to "varying degrees of regrettable conduct".

Phillips and Gatland reminded players that their presence in the city centre "exposed them to situations where their conduct was under close scrutiny and their behaviour should have reflected that".

In a statement the WRU said there would be no further comment on the subject.

The players had met at the Queen's Vaults in Westgate Street, opposite the Millennium Stadium in the city centre.

Eye witnesses had called for an apology, claiming Henson was abusive and had to be taken out of the pub.

The Ospreys star did not play in Wales' victory because of injury.

Onlookers said Henson, the partner of singer and TV presenter Charlotte Church, was seen messing about with pool balls on the three tables in the pub and was abusive when anyone took issue with him.

Another man who videoed Henson on his mobile said the player tried to grab the mobile and then told him that it was none of his business.

Publicly apologised

The eye witnesses said the other players were just enjoying their night out and tried to calm things down.

Wales fullback Lee Byrne took Henson out of the pub while scrum-half Mike Phillips publicly apologised over the pub's sound system.

Phillips and number eight Andy Powell stayed on to talk to customers. Another onlooker later saw Henson outside the pub, throwing his money around telling people to take it.

South Wales Police confirmed officers were called to St Mary Street at around 2115 GMT on Sunday after reports of a disturbance.

A fixed penalty notice was issued to someone for a public order offence, but not one of the players.