The Ospreys have appealed against the ban handed to Wales centre Gavin Henson for his use of an elbow against Leicester prop Alex Moreno last month.

Henson struck Moreno during the 17-15 Heineken Cup defeat at Liberty Stadium, leaving the Tigers prop with a broken nose and landing himself in hot water with disciplinary chiefs.

A hearing suspended the Grand Slam winner for 10 weeks and two days but he escaped punishment for aiming a kick at Moreno - which missed - after also being cited for that offence in the same match.

The length of the ban effectively ended Henson's hopes of playing in the RBS 6 Nations as he would not be available until the end of the tournament and then he would be struggling for match fitness.

The Ospreys are hoping for a reduction in the length of the 23-year-old's suspension, although an appeal could also see him saddled with an extension to his ban.

Wales lock Ian Evans was banned for eight weeks for stamping on Harry Ellis during the same match but the Ospreys have opted not to appeal on his behalf.

An independent appeal committee will be appointed to hear Henson's case as soon as possible, according to ERC and will not contain any members from the original panel.

Meanwhile, Bath number eight Gareth Delve is set to be named in Wales' Six Nations squad this month after confirming his desire to play for the country he captained at under-19 level.

He also qualifies for England after living there for six years, though England have made no official approach.