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London - England great Jonny Wilkinson has insisted Gavin Henson will be welcomed back into the Toulon squad following the row that saw the Welshman suspended.
Henson returned to training on Monday following an alleged drunken altercation with his team-mates that threatened the Wales centre's future with French club Toulon.
In particular, Henson was said to have been critical of Wilkinson, denying suggestions the outside-half was the best player in the world on the night in question. But England's record points scorer said he had no issues with his fellow British and Irish Lion.
"It hasn't affected me at all," Wilkinson told Tuesday's Daily Telegraph. "Gavin said to the guys that that wasn't the true Gavin speaking. He showed his true feelings to us and said that he was sorry. The perpetrator in it all was drink, I guess.
"It was a difficult evening. I wasn't even there so it's best to set the record straight on that.
"I've spent good times with Gavin here, enjoyed training with him. As for the remarks, well, then he wouldn't be the only person thinking like that round the world, and rightly so. I've always said that I get too much praise."
With Toulon bidding for a place in the semi-finals of France's domestic Top 14 tournament, Wilkinson added: "I personally have never felt more at home among a group of guys.
"The boys will be fine with Gavin."
Henson, 29, joined Toulon on a short-term deal in February from London side Saracens hoping to impress coach Philippe Saint-Andre and aiming to force his way into the Wales squad for this year's World Cup.
The midfielder last played for Wales in the 2009 Six Nations before personal problems and a raft of injuries combined to see him take unpaid leave from his then-club, the Ospreys.
After appearing in two reality television shows, Henson signed with Saracens to end an 18-month period out of the game but made only four appearances and just one start in four months with the north London side.
