Wales centre Gavin Henson is being tipped to become one of world

gby's new stars as Sir Clive Woodward prepares to run the rule over

his Lions hopefuls in the forthcoming Six Nations championship.

Henson is a key player around whom Wales will build their Six Nations

campaign this season, starting against England in Cardiff on Saturday

week. He has also been strongly tipped for a Lions Test place on the tour

to New Zealand later this year.

The Neath-Swansea Ospreys prospect shone for his country during the

autumn series when Wales suffered agonising defeats against

southern-hemisphere heavyweights New Zealand and South Africa.

The challenge for Wales coach Mike Ruddock and his management team is

to keep a lid on expectations surrounding Henson, but Wales captain

Gareth Thomas believes he is in safe hands.

"Gavin is certainly going to be one of the star players in world rugby,"

said Toulouse ace Thomas at Wednesday's Six Nations launch in London.

"He has got a management team to protect him and keep him focused on

rugby. It is great that he has got people pushing him in the right

direction."

Henson has been nursing a groin strain over the past few weeks.