Shaun Edwards, the Wasps head coach, insisted the training ground bust-up between Danny Cipriani and Josh Lewsey was nothing out of the ordinary. The two England internationals came to blows after Lewsey had criticised Cipriani for missing tackles during a defensive drill.

Cipriani, 20, arrived at training today with a cut just above his lip but neither player will face disciplinary action.

Wasps have suffered five defeats in six matches and cranked up the intensity of their training as they head into European action against Castres on Sunday. "It is Heineken Cup week," Edwards said. "There is always a fight in Heineken Cup week.

"We don't condone punching, particularly in a game because you get sent off for it, but sometimes in training emotions run a little bit wild. We encourage emotion. Rugby is an emotional game and the Heineken Cup is one of the most emotional competitions in world rugby. When it is Heineken Cup week there is an extra edge in training."

Cipriani's profile has grown beyond rugby, partly due to his relationship with Kelly Brook, the model and television presenter. The fly half, who has sponsorship deals with adidas and Armani, has become a regular target for photographers.

But Edwards insisted Cipriani has not become too big for his boots and played down suggestions his profile was causing a distraction or jealousy within the squad. "Danny is treated the same here as everybody else," he said. "If he is late for training he will be fined and if his training is not up to scratch he gets told off, as everyone else does.

"What goes into the papers is out of our control. All that we can do is make sure that Danny's got a good attitude to training, leaves his ego at the door as the rest of the players do and works hard, as he has done over the last three years. No-one at this club is questioning his commitment. He is one of the hardest working players at the club. If he was late for training I would be a lot more concerned."

Cipriani made his comeback in the 27-23 Premiership defeat to Bath a week ago, when Wasps' famed defence came off second best.

James Haskell, the Wasps flanker, can understand why the incident occurred as the squad attempt to sharpen their edge after such a disappointing start to the new season. "Intensity is what has been lacking on the field," he said. "To get it back you have to start on the training field because if you can't do it there, then you won't do it in a match. I like it when there is an edge to training. That niggle is good for everyone."