Henson, who has won 34 caps for Wales, revealed he went out drinking after he was a substitute in his side’s 31-3 defeat by Glasgow before continuing on during the early-morning flight.

Henson was suspended after an incident, while airline Flybe have also begun an investigation, with the Blues management set to meet this morning to discuss their next move.

His contract with the Blues runs out at the end of the season, and it would appear he is unlikely to get an extension regardless of the outcome of the meeting.

Henson issued a statement yesterday, which read: “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 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% with the Cardiff Blues’ wishes and will do everything that I need to do in order to make amends.

“I remain fully focused and committed to Cardiff Blues and I hope they can accept my apology.”

The incident is the latest chapter in a controversial career that has seen Henson fail to deliver on his undoubted talent.

First capped as a 19-year-old in 2001, he sprang to national prominence by kicking a monster penalty to help Wales beat England 11-9 at the start of the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, paving the way for a first Welsh Grand Slam in 27 years and his selection for the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

But with the rugby world seemingly his for the taking, a mixture of injuries followed by a self-imposed exile from the game between March 2009 and October 2010 saw his star fade.

During that time Henson appeared in several reality TV shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and 71 Degrees North, and also went on to appear in The Bachelor.

A short stint with French side Toulon ended after a nightclub altercation with two team-mates which saw him handed a one-week suspension and he was not offered a contract extension at the end of the season.