Danny Cipriani was today warned not to make the same mistakes that turned Gavin Henson's rugby career into a media circus.

Former Wales captain Jonathan Davies, one of the game's most respected voices, has urged the London Wasps star to avoid the pitfalls by surrounding himself with experienced advisors.

Hensen was the darling of Welsh rugby but his career fell apart on the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand when he was forced to apologise to team-mates after the publication of his Grand Slam book.

Since then, he has been hit by injuries and controversy and only now is he getting his playing career back on track. Henson's partner, television and singing star Charlotte Church, is expecting their second child and they have become the 'Posh & Becks' of the Principality.

Cipriani is going out with television presenter and model Kelly Brook and has the potential to eclipse Henson as a player and media star. But he is still only 20 years old.

Having fought back from a serious ankle injury, Cipriani is due to play for Wasps against Castres in the Heineken Cup at Adams Park on Sunday at the end of a week in which he was punched by team-mate Josh Lewsey during a training session.

Davies said: "Josh Lewsey is a guy who has talked the talk and walked the walk in terms of playing international and club rugby. At the moment, Danny is talking the talk but he has made just one start for England.

"What is clear is that Danny and Gavin's destinies are in their own hands. When Gavin wrote his book, I thought he was very badly advised and there is no doubt he has learned a lot in the last couple of years. He doesn't say as much and keeps his head down.

"Danny is going to be exposed to a lot of what came Gavin's way and he must be careful about what he does.

"He will be asked to do many things and promote various items. He must be sensible about what he chooses to get involved with."

Everyone at Wasps acknowledges Cipriani's talent and commitment to his rugby but he also revels in the off-the-field opportunities that come his way as "the next Jonny Wilkinson".

However, a multi-million pound boot deal with adidas requires Cipriani to be at the top of his game and in the England team to satisfy his backers.

"Hopefully, they will have an advisory role because they will not want to see him doing anything that detracts from their brand," Davies said.

"Danny has to think about what he says off the top of his head to the media, recognising it could be blown up. I still go to those friends who have given me advice over the years to get a second opinion when I am offered various opportunities. Danny and Gavin are very similar. They are extremely good rugby players and they should know what to do and when to do it.

"They are professional athletes and if you are pictured out enjoying yourself then as long as you are not getting smashed then you are okay.

"The key for Danny and Gavin is to have good friends and advisors. You have to prioritise your life and, for them, that means doing well in their sport at this point.

"There is a Lions tour to South Africa at the end of this season and I would expect both of them to be involved."

Wasps face a Castres side who are struggling badly in the French championship with just one win the same record as their hosts.

However, a win would get Wasps' season back on track and it can be achieved with the aid of an accomplished and professional performance from Cipriani.

Wasps will reshuffle their backs following the knee ligament injury sustained by Dominic Waldouck.

Josh Lewsey moves from the left wing to replace him at centre, Tom Voyce switches from full-back to No11 and Aussie utility back Lachlan Mitchell will fill the problem No15 jersey.

Eoin Reddan is at scrum-half ahead of former All Black Mark Robinson.

Up front, Wasps have picked an all-international pack to take on the French, relying on the explosive back row trio of James Haskell, Tom Rees and Joe Worsley to cause mayhem in the opposition ranks and to secure vital loose ball.