Welsh rugby star Gavin Henson has been sacked by the Cardiff Blues after drinking and "behaving inappropriately" on a flight from Glasgow at the weekend.

The 30-year-old, who is known to rugby fans for his off-field antics as much as his talent on the pitch, apologised for his behaviour which followed Cardiff’s 31-3 defeat to the Glasgow Warriors on Friday night.

Henson appeared as a second half substitute for the Welsh side. He went out drinking after the match and continued to booze on the flight back to Cardiff at 7am the following morning. Henson was subsequently suspended by his club.

Richard Holland, the chief executive officer of the Cardiff Blues, said: "The Cardiff Blues management have discussed the matter at length but have acted swiftly since the incident occurred on Saturday morning.

"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."

The airline Flybe had launched their own investigation into the incident, and they confirmed Henson has been banned from using their services for six months as a result of his actions. Earlier, in his apology, Henson - the reality TV star and ex-husband of singer Charlotte Church - said he was "truly embarrassed" by his behaviour.

The Welsh international added: "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."

Henson has been one of the most colourful characters in the rugby world for the past ten years. Capped 34 times by his country, he was one of the stars of the Welsh side which won the 2005 RBS 6 Nations. This earned him a place on the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

He has also appeared on television in Strictly Come Dancing and The Bachelor.