RUGBY UNION: GARETH'S COOL

WALES captain Gareth Thomas has no regrets about moving to France - even if Toulouse stop him leading his country against South Africa on Saturday.

French clubs have taken the game's latest power struggle to the brink and seem determined to prevent Thomas and fellow French-based Welshmen Stephen Jones and Gareth Llewellyn facing the Boks in a battle over international fixture dates.

But Thomas said: "Hell no, I have no regrets about coming to

Toulouse - not in the slightest and not even as a player in the middle of a row such as this.

"Being here is benefiting me massively. Coming to Toulouse has helped make me ten times better than I was two years ago."

Clermont Auvergne and Narbonne are also likely to carry out their threat to respectively prevent Jones and Llewellyn turning out against the Boks, leaving coach Mike Ruddock short of experience.

Thomas said: "Of course we want to play for Wales - that's obvious and for me it should be a dream game as Wales captain.

"Our flight has been booked for Sunday evening - now I'm just waiting to find out whether or not I get on it.

"Wherever I am next Saturday I have to be focused. Toulouse are up against Stade Francais Paris and I don't know how I'd feel if I am put in the position where I cannot lead my country.

"If I'm in France I'll be devastated. Whichever game I'm playing in I'll give 100 per cent. It has to be that way."

Stephen Jones is set to return at No.10 for Wales. Jones missed the summer tour to Argentina and South Africa because of injury which allowed Ceri Sweeney to take his jersey. But Jones has been in impressive form for Clermont Auvergne.

That will enable Ruddock to stick with Gavin Henson at inside centre.

In the pack, hooker Mefin Davies is set to continue despite playing for Neath in the Premier Division.

With Robert Sidoli out of form, Gareth Llewellyn is set to extend his Wales record to 91 caps at second row.

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