Warriors to lose Thomas to Toulouse

Wales’ record international try-scorer Gareth Thomas looks set for a lucrative move to reigning European champions Toulouse.

The French giants have reportedly drawn up a three-year contract which could see Thomas earn around €1.1m.

And businessman Leighton Samuel, benefactor of the Celtic Warriors team where Wales full-back Thomas currently plays his rugby, admits there is little he can do.

“Gareth is under contract until May 31, 2006, and is one of the highest-paid rugby players in Wales,” said Samuel.

“But he is being targeted by a big-spending club who are the Manchester United of French rugby.

“We have done everything we possibly can to try to keep him, but we can’t possibly compete with the salary figures and other gratuities that are being offered, never in a million years,” Samuel told the Western Mail.

Thomas, capped 77 times, eclipsed Ieuan Evans’ record when he claimed his 34th Test touchdown during Wales’ RBS 6 Nations Championship victory over Italy last month.

And he is a strong candidate to tour New Zealand with Sir Clive Woodward’s Lions next year.

Thomas, meanwhile, might not be the only current Welsh international heading for France, with Montferrand reportedly courting Llanelli Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones.

Jones is also thought to be a target for Zurich Premiership clubs Leicester and Saracens.

A former Wales fly-half definitely on the move is Arwel Thomas, who has a agreed a one-year deal with Celtic Warriors and will join them from French outfit Pau.