Henson ban hits 6 Nations hopes

Henson's 10-week ban rules him out of the first three Six Nations games, and the Ospreys centre is unlikely to be match-fit for the final two encounters.

Ruddock told BBC Sport: "It's really disappointing for Wales, Ospreys and for Gavin himself.

"It seems to be a very long ban given the circumstances, but there are always different ways to view these things."

Ospreys say they are also "disappointed" by the length of Henson's ban. They are now considering whether to launch an appeal.

The Celtic League champions said they had compiled a "vigorous defence" for Friday's hearing before the European Rugby Cup's three-man independent disciplinary committee.

This disappointing news brings home to everyone the importance of discipline Wales coach Mike Ruddock

Henson appeared to hit out at Moreno - who ended up with a broken nose - after being struck on his head by the Leicester prop.

The incident took place in only Henson's second appearance of the season after a lengthy lay-off with a groin injury.

And with another long period of inactivity ahead, Ruddock says the 23-year-old centre will find it difficult to force himself into the Wales side for the final Six Nations matches against Italy and France.

"It's very unfortunate for him because we all want him to focus his energies on playing some really good rugby for the Ospreys," said Ruddock.

"He's been out for a long time and some continuity in his game would have been just what he and Welsh rugby needed.

"A lack of rugby could create severe difficulties, but these are professional rugby players now.

"They can spend the number of weeks that they are off training hard, working on their game, fitness and conditioning - all those type of things that make them possible options.

Smit hit with six-week suspension

"So I'm not committing to anything other than to say 'let's see how things are at that time'."

Henson's ban is the longest of three recent elbowing incidents in rugby.

Pelous gets nine-week suspension

In November, South Africa's Jon Smit got a six-week ban for striking France skipper Jerome Thion, while France captain Fabien Pelous was banned for nine weeks for elbowing Australia's Brendan Cannon.

Ruddock says the severity of these bans sends a clear message to the players about their responsibilities on the field.

He said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's important players keep their discipline at all levels throughout Welsh rugby.

"This disappointing news brings home to everyone the importance of discipline."