Rugby: Wales star Gavin Henson has been axed for the Ospreys' first two Heineken Cup games against Leicester and Perpignan.

The high-profile centre has been omitted because of what the Ospreys term "a rugby-related disciplinary decision". The Welsh region offered no further explanation for their shock move.

It comes just a week after Henson made his first start of the season, returning from an ankle injury during Ospreys' narrow EDF Energy Cup victory over Harlequins.

And his absence for Sunday's Pool Three opener at Leicester comes despite the Ospreys having lost his midfield partner Sonny Parker due to a chest injury.

It is not known whether Henson's two-game absence will affect his chances of featuring in Wales' autumn Test opener against South Africa o November 8th.

But his lack of match practice is likely to concern Wales boss Warren Gatland.

Henson will now have only two matches to sharpen his form ahead of Wales facing the Springboks - Ospreys' EDF appointments with Worcester on October 26th and London Irish seven days later.

Ospreys head coach Sean Holley has handed Andrew Bishop Henson's number 12 shirt at Welford Road, with former Ulster wing Tommy Bowe featuring at outside centre.

The Ospreys are determined to make a major statement in Europe this season after suffering a shock Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat against Saracens last April.

That game was Henson's last start before the Harlequins match.

While the Ospreys have not divulged reasons for Henson's absence this weekend, it is known they have introduced a strict player code of conduct this season.