Campbell flies back into Henson photo row

Alex Lowe

The Lions media consultant stands accused of "misrepresenting" Gavin Henson in the days after his shock omission from the first Test squad by staging a photograph designed to cast Clive Woodward in a favourable light.

Campbell arranged for a photographer to snap Henson and Woodward together in conversation, a PR ploy designed to play down rumours of discord inside the Lions camp and defuse the growing rancour over his non-selection.

But only minutes before Campbell strode through the Heathrow arrivals hall, Henson claimed he had not been informed of the Lions' plans directly contradicting the former Downing Street spin-doctor.

"I didn't know anything about the photo," said Henson. "I haven't seen it yet but I didn't know what it was about."

Campbell, a controversial figure throughout the tour, refused to address the issue as he wheeled his luggage through the Heathrow arrivals hall.

But he had been pinned down on the subject by a Sunday Times reporter over the weekend and on that occasion stated angrily that Henson "definitely" knew the photo was

being taken.

The photographer's version of events, however, is that he was told to hide behind a car and not let Henson know his photo was being taken.

Either way, the Lions were clearly aware of how Henson's omission was being taken back home, with Woodward criticised heavily for being overly reliant on England's World Cup winners.

Campbell's media team also issued some quotes, purportedly from

Henson, in which he spoke of his determination to "keep learning from the experience."

But, happy to be back home yesterday, Henson managed to cast a fresher, happier mind back on the last seven weeks.

"I had my chance in the second Test but I got injured after five minutes. I can't remember much of it," he said.

"It was a long tour and it was difficult. We didn't get the results we would have liked but it was a really good experience. It was great to be involved with some world-class players, I think I have learnt a lot and I can't wait to use all that next season."

Henson's club chairman, Mike James of the Neath-Swansea Ospreys, described the Lions' alleged behaviour as "bloody disgraceful."

It is not the only occasion that Campbell managed to create a stir off the field.

The Lions' PR machine is accused rightly or wrongly of fanning the flames following Brian O'Driscoll's tour-ending injury a minute into that first Test.

Woodward's career in rugby is over for now, at least and he will start work as Southampton Football Club's technical director after a brief holiday.