"I think playing in England will be good for him as an individual and when he returns to these islands he'll be a well-rounded person, but I don't know if he's going to be a better rugby player," said Henry earlier this week.

"Maybe those experiences of playing in those countries will help but whether it's going to help his rugby development, I'm not sure."

Jones, who saw his Sharks side record a stunning victory at Clermont Auvergne in their opening Heineken Cup fixture, believes Henry's comments were misjudged and inappropriate.

"As far as Graham Henry is concerned it was an arrogant answer," said Jones.

"I wouldn't dream of commenting on a player playing in the Super 14 or suggest that he wouldn't learn from it. For a start, I haven't got the qualifications to do that and I don't think Graham has either.

"Wherever you play, rugby is an experience and you learn from that experience and to say that someone isn't going to learn or develop from playing in the Heineken Cup is totally naive.

"Graham added that he didn't think Luke would walk straight back into the All Blacks, and I understand he's got to say these things. But if Luke does decide to go back to New Zealand, if he plays like he is at the moment and doesn't get in then I'd like to see the guys who do."

McAlister's 18-month contract with Sale runs out this summer and the club are determined to persuade their star centre to stay at Welford Road rather than return to New Zealand.

"I spoke to Luke's father on Sunday and if Luke says he wants to stay in Manchester then we're ready to sit down and talk," said Jones.