Thomas apology over media spat

Wales captain Gareth Thomas today apologised for a stand-off between players and the media at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against Scotland.

The Welsh squad had refused to attend the conference in Cardiff yesterday until a journalist who ghost wrote Gavin Henson’s book ‘My Grand Slam Year’ - had left the building.

Thomas and his players had taken exception to an article the journalist had written in the England-Wales match programme last Saturday claiming Henson had a right to comments in his book.

In ‘My Grand Slam Year’ Henson had criticised fellow Welsh players on a host of issues from ability to eligibility.

After that Henson and the players had clear-the-air meetings during the autumn internationals and the issues appeared to have had a line drawn under them.

But yesterday the problem returned as players stood their ground.

However, less than 24 hours after the spat the Wales captain was more conciliatory.

“I just want to apologise for yesterday on behalf of the team,” said Thomas.

“It was a private disagreement that became public and I never really intended it to become public the way it did.

“In hindsight the stance we took was a mistake on our part. It was a breakdown in communication between parties.”

The problem occurred just 10 days before Henson’s seven-week suspension for elbowing Leicester prop Alex Morenjo finishes and he is then expected to return to Wales duty.

But Thomas said there would be no problem Henson returning to the Wales fold.

“We don’t have an issue with Gavin – categorically not at all. The matter was dealt with in-house and the day we dealt with that we drew a line under it,” said Thomas.

“When Gavin is available or if he plays well enough to get back into the squad he will be treated like every other player and welcomed back.

“It was an issue that we thought had been put to bed. And we weren’t best pleased that it had been brought up again.”

Wales team manager Alan Phillips said: “This was a private disagreement between Team Wales and an individual journalist.

“We have previously not wanted to comment publicly on the issue and are disappointed that this private disagreement has come to public light.

“This incident is a one-off and it will not happen again. We are fully focussed on the forthcoming match against Scotland on Sunday and we will move on.”