GAVIN Henson gave Wales a major boost today ahead of next week's huge Six Nations opener against England.

The emerging Neath- Swansea Ospreys star has been struggling with a groin injury for the past fortnight and gave the Wales camp and public a scare at the weekend by admitting it was affecting him.

But Wales coach Mike Ruddock played down fears that Henson could be a doubt for the England game when the squad got together today for a four-day training period.

"This is not a week to panic," said Ruddock. "Gavin might not be able to train fully this week, but I don't expect any problems next week."

Henson, though switched between outside half and full back for the Ospreys in their most recent game against Ulster on Friday night, is sure to have a key role for Wales under Ruddock in the inside centre position.

Wales captain Gareth Thomas arrived at the team headquarters last night sporting a black right eye with half a dozen stitches over it. He revealed that it was a legacy of Saturday's tough French championship game for Toulouse in Perpignan where Newport Gwent Dragons visited last month.

Toulouse were pipped 18-16, Thomas saying: "It was a packed house, there wasn't a single seat to be had. The ball was spun wide, it was a really open game and it had all the intensity of a Test match."

Thomas was accompanied by fellow French-based Welsh players, outside half Stephen Jones and lock Gareth Llewellyn, both released for training under International Board rules though they will have to return to France this weekend for matches in the championship.

The only absentee was former captain Colin Charvis, held up by severe snow storms in New York where he is on a break after suffering an ankle injury.

Ruddock is still not sure when Charvis will arrive in Wales.

He has still to fill one prop position in the squad. Ospreys player Paul James has been drafted in for training while Ieusten Thomas is hoping to play for Llanelli Scarlets this weekend after being on the injured list.

Ruddock remains upbeat about Welsh chances in the Six Nations and says morale is first class.

"We had a quick review of the Autumn series last night when we looked at key elements of the game we want to play which was helpful for the new players," he said.

"It was very productive, there's a good team spirit here - now we get down to the hard work."