Wales and Cardiff in bid to keep Lion king Jamie Roberts out of France

British Lion Jamie Roberts is at the centre of a groundbreaking deal being hatched to prevent him falling into French hands.
Cardiff Blues and the Welsh Rugby Union, horrified by the constant drain of players across the Channel, are to join together to keep the out-of-contract centre in Wales rather than accept his departure as a fact of commercial life.
Between them they hope to provide the financial clout to pre-empt approaches from a host of French clubs headed by Toulouse.
The initiative is understood to be at an advanced stage and Roberts expressed his ‘appreciation’ during talks with Blues chairman Peter Thomas before last night’s Pro 12 home match against Glasgow.
“I’d like to think that it will all be done in the next month or so,” Thomas told The Rugby Paper.
“Regional rugby on its own cannot offer the massive amounts which some countries are paying.
“However, a combination of region and country together gives us every chance of finding a solution.  I spoke to Jamie yesterday. I know he would be delighted if we put a package together which will keep him at the Blues through to the next World Cup.
“I have explained to him that we are working very hard on his behalf and on behalf of all top quality Welsh players to ensure they have the best possible package to remain in Wales. We must play our part and show him how keen we are by putting a proposal together with the help of the governing body.
“Jamie is very relaxed about the future and appreciative of what people are doing on his behalf.  Provided he is looked after commercially and financially to the level he deserves, he will stay in Wales. I am very confident that the current discussions will result in the right solution being found.
“The regions are all working with the WRU to make that happen so the best players remain in an environment where they are looked after, kept in prime condition and not flogged to death.
“When a player goes out of Wales he doesn’t get 13 days off before an international. The Welsh players based in France get six.
“That’s no good to the Wales team.  Preparation is everything. We have an amazing set of youngsters in Wales.  We have to ensure their future is here.”
Roberts, due to qualify as a doctor later in the season, will be a free agent in every sense next May. “It will be the first time in my life that I won’t have any university work commitments,” he said. “It will be a big crossroads in my career and who knows…”
Toulouse wanted Roberts last year until they realised  his Blues contract had another season to run.   Racing Metro,  who almost signed Alex Cuthbert last summer before the wing opted to stay with the Blues, have the cash to offer Roberts £400,000-a-year.
Racing’s head coach Gonzalo Quesada, the former Argentina stand-off, has confirmed the Parisian club’s interest in Roberts.
Quesada also revealed that Racing made an attempt to  capture Dan Biggar from the Ospreys before signing Olly Barkley from Bath.
PETER JACKSON