The Wales and Lions centre is unlikely to play again this season because of a posterior cruciate ligament problem.

Henson's team the Ospreys had hoped he would be in contention for a Cup final place against Leicester at Twickenham on April 15.

But his knee reacted adversely following a running session on Monday, meaning a probable further rehabilitation period of between six and eight weeks.

Such an extended lay-off would seriously threaten his hopes of making Wales' two-Test tour to Australia in late May and early June.

Henson missed Wales' entire RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign this season, initially on form, before he was injured.

Ospreys physiotherapist Brian Downey said: “This effectively rules Gavin out for the remainder of this season.

“He has made a massive effort to get himself available for the EDF final, but as is often the case with this type of injury, there is no substitute for prolonged physiotherapy.

“Our focus will now be on getting Gavin back to fitness as soon as possible, but as it is likely to take six to eight weeks, his Ospreys season looks to have ended.”