GAVIN Henson’s world cup jinx struck again last night as he suffered a broken shin to end his slim hopes of a return to Warren Gatland’s Wales squad.

Henson and fellow former Wales star Ryan Jones were both injured playing for Bristol in the first leg of the Championship play-off final with Worcester Warriors.

Bristol were beaten 29-28 at Ashton Gate and director of rugby Andy Robinson confirmed his team would be without the experienced Welsh duo at Sixways, with Henson fracturing his shin and Newport-born Jones suffering a shoulder injury.

Henson was treated on the field for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher, with Sky Sports opting against showing a replay of the incident in which he damaged his lower leg.

“Ryan has a shoulder injury and will be out for next week – and Gavin has fractured his shin, so he will obviously be out as well,” said Robinson.

The consequences for Henson could be much bigger, however, with question marks over whether he will be able to return from such a serious injury at the age of 33.

What is certain is that the Grand Slam winner with Wales in 2005 and 2008 will never get to play on the biggest stage.

Henson was controversially left out of the squad by Steve Hansen for the 2003 world cup in Australia.

He also failed to make the cut for Gareth Jenkins’ squad in France four years later and in 2011 he missed out after dislocating a bone in his wrist in a warm-up match against England at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales went on to reach the semi-finals in New Zealand and Henson hasn’t featured for the national side since, despite impressive form for Bristol this season.

Henson spoke of his desire to add to his 33 caps earlier this year but admitted that his world cup dream was unlikely to become a reality.

"I don't think they'll be looking at players playing in the Championship so I think that's probably closed now," he said in February.

"I always dream about playing for them though, so who knows?

"I'll do all I can at Bristol but I've had no correspondence with them [Wales] since 2011."