Henson was due to play for the Ospreys in a Heineken Cup match against top French side Stade Français on Sunday, and although he was not said to have been drinking, even his absence from Wales is being questioned in most quarters, particularly with the Six Nations looming in Rugby World Cup year.

"He had better play damn well against Stade on Sunday," was one fan's reaction.

Henson was rested last weekend, along with a number of senior players, for the match away to Leinster in the Magners League, but while the fans were not entirely happy with that decision, it is well-recognised that victory over the French Top 14 leaders this weekend maintains Heineken Cup quarter-final chances.

Former Wales star John Devereux, a long-standing critic of Henson, once again lambasted the player's celebrity lifestyle in the Western Mail, questioning Henson's thought processes.

"It's a big lack of judgment in my view. He probably should know a lot better because of who he's with," he said to the Western Mail.

"If he wants to be a rugby player he's got to knuckle down and get on with it.

"Rugby players would all like to go to places like Chamonix in mid-season but those are the sacrifices you've got to make.

"At the moment James Hook is stealing the limelight and rightly so.

"If it's a mid-season break, let's hope for his sake that Gavin's got permission to go there.

"At the end of the day you're a rugby player - fine. But if not, look for something else to do."

Devereux also pointed out that Henson would not have been permitted to ski under his insurance, and thus would not have been covered by insurance in the event of an accident.

Henson's agent Peter Underhill refused to comment, but PR advisor Elliot Pill, who has advised David Beckham before, said Henson needed some direction.

"Perhaps he has to take a hard look at his direction and take impartial advice on how to rebuild his credibility, on and off the field," he said.

"If he fails to do this, there will be a huge backlash from players, supporters and the media."