Toulouse gave compensation for the two years on Thomas' contract

Warriors chief executive Leighton Samuel met Toulouse last Friday to seek recompense for the two years left on Thomas' contract.

"We got what we wanted," said Samuel, after concluding a deal believed to be in the region of �200,000.

"I've spoken to Gareth and to the Union and we've all agreed he can go."

Toulouse are thought to have tabled an initial offer of �100,000, but Samuel says that was reviewed and with the Warriors also taking the gate receipts from a friendly with the French giants the overall package could exceed �200,000.

Warriors weigh Thomas offer

Thomas' transfer was complicated by the fact that the WRU is a 50% stake-holder in the Warriors and it did not want Wales' star player to move abroad, but it was agreed that he could not be forced to stay against his will.

If he is not happy in Toulouse we have a clause in his contract that he will come straight back to the Warriors Warriors chief executive Leighton Samuel

"It wasn't about money," Samuel told BBC Radio Wales' Midweek Sport programme. "I would have put together a financial package to match Toulouse's.

"(WRU group chief executive) David Moffett and myself both agree that we did all we could to keep Gareth in Wales.

"It was a lifestyle thing. Gareth feels he has two-to-three years left in him and wants to experience French rugby.

"Who can blame him? He has achieved everything in Welsh domestic rugby and I imagine Toulouse is a very nice place to live.

WRU anger at French raiders End-of-season transfers

"Funding is an issue, though. Toulouse have a wage bill in the region of �3-4 million per annum and we cannot compete with that in Wales."

Despite the disappointment of losing Thomas, Samuel is adamant that the player will carry on representing Wales - and he has not ruled out the possibility of his returning to the Warriors.

"Playing for Wales is paramount to Gareth, that will have been in his contract and there are plenty more international caps and tries to come for him," said Samuel.

Samuel sees Jon Bryant as Thomas' natural replacement

"If he is not happy in Toulouse we have a clause in his contract that he will come straight back to the Warriors - I hope to see him around Christmas!

"As it is, Gareth will captain the side against the Blues on Friday and will play the rest of the season for us.

"He's irreplaceable as a person and a player, but we do have some fantastic talent at the Warriors in his position.

"Jon Bryant is about to commit to us until 2007, and we have very talented youngsters like David Bishop and Lee Thomas coming through."