Blues fans protest at the proposed merger with the Celtic Warriors

Shareholders, fans and other boardroom members are furious at last week's announcement that Thomas is seeking to combine with the Celtic Warriors.

The opposition are also up in arms that Thomas chose not to reveal the plan at Monday's AGM, but instead issued a public statement the following day.

Players from both regional teams are also angry that they weren't consulted.

One possible name to spearhead a takeover bid is businessman John Smart, another Cardiff board member.

Individual shareholders will form formidable opoosition to Thomas' proposal, but his biggest problem will be the biggest shareholder - Cardiff Athletic Club.

CAC controls the Arms Park and its constitution states that any home rugby team that plays at the ground must have 'Cardiff' in the name and wear blue and black.

With financial concerns prompting Thomas to seek a merger, Warriors owner Leighton Samuel would certainly be the dominant 'partner' in any new combination.

While he would love access to the Arms Park's facilities, he would be less keen for the Cardiff name to reign.

Samuel has already compromised on losing his beloved Bridgend's name for neutrality's sake when they combined with Pontypridd to become the Celtic Warriors.

Match report: Biarritz 35-20 Blues

The protests became very public on Saturday when fans displayed banners saying "No Merger" during the Blues' 35-20 Heineken Cup loss at Biarritz.