Rugby:Gavin Henson will not be facing Leinster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final this Saturday after he was sacked by the Cardiff Blues today for his drunken behaviour on a flight from Glasgow on Saturday morning.

The Wales international last night apologised for his behaviour after being suspended by the club, and said he was “truly embarrassed”, but it appears his contrition was too little too late.

"The Cardiff Blues management have discussed the matter at length but have acted swiftly since the incident occurred on Saturday morning,” Blues chief executive Richard Holland said in a club statement this afternoon.

"Gavin admitted himself that his behaviour was totally unacceptable and the immediate termination of his contract sends out a clear message that behaviour like that will not be tolerated at the Blues.

"We have a duty to our supporters and sponsors to protect the good name of Cardiff Blues and those associated with our brand. Gavin Henson is obviously a talented rugby player and it's unfortunate that his career at the Blues has ended this way.

"However, we would like to thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck with his future career."

Leinster have few concerns ahead of the game, with all their frontline players expected to be fit after their 18-9 derby win over Munster at the weekend.

Eoin O’Malley remains a doubt with a calf strain and will be “further examined by the medical team ahead of Friday’s lunchtime team announcement”, according to the province.

Fellow centre Gordon D’Arcy and prop Mike Ross both received treatment for cuts after the Munster game at Thomond Park, but are expected to be fit, while outhalf Jonathan Sexton was taken off as a precaution in Limerick, but will be available for selection.

So, too, will former All Black secondrow Brad Thorn, who has recovered from flu.