Warriors fear Thomas exit WRU anger at French raiders

The European champions have proposed a compromise package of �100,000 in cash plus the gate receipts from a friendly match between the two sides.

Celtic Warriors directors will meet on Tuesday to discuss the offer.

But the deal is further complicated by the involvement of the Welsh Rugby Union, which owns 50% of the Warriors.

Warriors director Derrick King thinks the Union could have handled its input into the Thomas transfer in a better fashion.

"I can understand the WRU's position, but I feel a phone call or chat with us would have been better than a letter with a list of demands," King said.

I feel a phone call or chat (from the WRU) with us would have been better than a letter with a list of demands Warriors director Derrick King

"We were rather surprised to be told their feeling that Gareth Thomas should be held to his contract, when you have to take into account whether he would still be a happy player with us.

"It would be tremendously disappointing to lose such a tremendous player, captain and motivator, but if it happens you have to get on with things."

Samuel has also threatened legal action against Thomas' agent Peter Underhill, accusing Underhill of attempting to induce Thomas to break his contract.

Samuel says he is confident there will be a case to answer if the Welsh international leaves to join Toulouse, and King is equally annoyed at the role played by Underhill.

End of season transfers

"I don't think Gareth instigated this transfer, it was all started by agents," said King.

"It's annoying. You have a player under contract but at the end of the day it doesn't mean a thing."

Meanwhile, New Zealand and Canterbury Crusaders wing Caleb Ralph has agreed in principle to join the Warriors in August on a two-year contract.

The deal is dependent on his not being picked for the All Blacks' autumn tour to Europe.

Warriors tight-head Chris Horsman, who qualifies for Wales on residency grounds in November, has agreed to a two-year extension to his contract which would take him to 2007.