By Lestyn
April 21 2004

Usually press reports of Welsh players being linked with high profile moves to England are France are best taken with a fair amount of caution, however Gareth Thomas’s near certain move to Toulouse has sent shockwaves through the Welsh game. Thomas is thought to be one of many Welsh players to attract attention across the border and channel.

Impressive displays in the Six Nations and World cup have made clubs sit up and take notice of the talent currently coming through the Welsh system.

More significantly though, Wales played a fast, attractive and expansive game, the sort, which most supporters and sponsors would happily part with their cash for. It’s no coincidence there is little speculation around any Welsh forwards at the moment.

Specifically, France craves open hectic rugby and with no salary caps and big backers it is fairly inevitable they are going to turn their attentions to Wales where regions face an uncertain time as far as funding is concerned.

The dazzling side steps of Shane Williams, would be far more suited to the hard sun drenched grounds of the likes of Bordeaux and Biarritz, opposed to a boggy St.Helens on a damp Friday night.

However, as much as these temptations are alluring, even today in the world of professionalism, a degree of loyalty surely has to still exist?

Winning silverware with your home region, without the added strain of having to re-settle, learn a new language; move your family must be enough of a reward.

Gareth Thomas never succeeded with a Warriors team, who although unsettled have the potential of doing some real damage in Europe next season.

Wales cannot afford to become nothing more than a nursery of talent, or the ground-going supporter will turn into one of the couch potato variety.

This points well and truly to the central contracting of players,.