Former Ireland fly-half Tony Ward says Gavin Henson's media spat with fellow Lion Brian O'Driscoll is more about selling his book than any real spite. But Ward says Henson's forthcoming book, My Grand Slam Year, could damage morale within the Wales camp.
Henson has called into question whether non-Welsh born people should be allowed to represent Wales.
"What would worry me more is the snippets I've been reading from Gavin about the residential rule," Ward said.
"That's where Wales coach Mike Ruddock should have some cause for concern in relation to morale within his own camp."
Out of the current Wales squad, five players fall foul of Henson's opinion that players qualifying through a Welsh grandparent or the three-year residency rule should not be allowed to represent Wales.
They include Brent Cockbain and Sonny Parker - who are both regional team-mates of Henson's at the Ospreys - Hal Luscombe, Chris Horsman and former Wales skipper Colin Charvis.
 |  When things are said coaches are looking for that little extra edge in terms of motivation |
While any resentment towards Henson may prove more problematic in the Wales camp than across the Irish Sea, Ward admits it could add a bit of extra spice the next time Henson and O'Driscoll - who also has a book out soon - play each other.
"It might add an edge, certainly, when the pair next meet in the middle of the field," added Ward, who won 19 caps for Ireland.
"When Ireland play Wales in the Six Nations it's a massive occasion in itself, there's no love lost on the field and that's the way it has always been.
"But when things are said and coaches are looking for that little extra edge in terms of motivation, then maybe Gavin shouldn't be saying these things.
"But let's not kid ourselves here, this is about selling books and we're coming up to Christmas so you say certain things to help sell the book.
"That's what sells books so Gavin's publishers would have been a lot happier than would Brian's, who said he wouldn't go down that road (of openly criticising fellow players)."
Ward, who shared the Ireland fly-half berth with Ollie Campbell, says the harsh words between Henson and O'Driscoll pale in comparison with actual incidents on the pitch.
O'Driscoll's Lions tour to New Zealand last summer lasted just five minutes of the first Test, after a 'spear' tackle from All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu dislocated his shoulder.
Ireland host New Zealand on 12 November, a week after the All Blacks play Wales, as Graham Henry's side embark on a 'Grand Slam' tour of Britain and Ireland.
"In terms of public reaction over here in Ireland at the moment (towards the Henson comments), I don't detect anything 'stinging' - if I can put it that way," Ward said.
"But Tana Umaga is coming here in a few weeks' time to lead the All Blacks out at Lansdowne Road.
"That's a day when you certainly will get a reaction given what went on in the first Test in the summer, but I'm not sure we'll get the same reaction after Christmas."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
