Harris' union future in doubt

Millionaire Thomas helped fund the dual-code international's move south in a deal that saw him sign a joint contract with Cardiff and the Welsh Rugby Union.

"Iestyn has a contract with the Blues until September 2004 and we fully expect him to complete it," Thomas told BBC Sport Wales.

"No meetings have taken place between the WRU and Cardiff to discuss his future, and as far as I'm aware it has not been debated within the WRU."

Thomas added that Cardiff were unwilling to extend their commitment to Harris by taking on the cash-strapped Union's half of the contract, but indicated that he hopes the player will stay with Cardiff beyond next autumn.

"Cardiff have given our commitment to share in the cost of Iestyn's contract, but that's as far as we'll go," said Thomas.

I think Iestyn Harris will stay in union for the rest of his career, and hopefully he will stay with Cardiff Cardiff chairman Peter Thomas

"However, I hope we will be in a position next year to offer Iestyn a contract to extend his stay with us.

"I don't believe he can move to a rugby league team next September because his contract with the WRU runs until September 2005.

"We haven't seen the best of this boy, he'll be a big success at the World Cup and we'll see him improve when he returns for the Blues.

"I'm sure rugby league wants him back, but he has ambitions for the Six Nations and the next Lions tour.

"I think he'll stay in union for the rest of his career, and hopefully he will stay with Cardiff."

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WRU group chief executive David Moffett was also keen to distance himself from talk of a league return for Harris.

"He (Harris) has a contract until 2005 and I expect him to honour that," said Moffett.

"His contract cost us a lot of money - it's incorrect to suggest we have been trying to sell him back to rugby league."