Gethin Jenkins set to join Welsh exodus to France

Prop Gethin Jenkins will join the Welsh player exodus to France next season.

Jenkins has confirmed he is to leave Cardiff Blues, and it is understood he has agreed a two-year contract with Toulon, linking up with a star-studded squad containing the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau and Bakkies Botha.

Jenkins' Wales colleagues Mike Phillips, James Hook and Lee Byrne currently play in France, World Cup squad member Aled Brew recently agreed a move to Biarritz from Newport Gwent Dragons and lock Luke Charteris is thought to be a target for Perpignan.

"I definitely will not be with the Blues next season, and yes, I am going to France," Jenkins told the Western Mail.

"I was offered a deal by the Blues, but that was after talks were put off about an extension on several occasions.

"In the end, they said they couldn't pay me while I was fulfilling international commitments, and so I felt I had no choice.

"I had to think about my future, just like any player or anyone in any walk of life would do.

"I won't leave with any bitterness and I will give the Blues everything between now and the end of this season, just the same as I have always done.

"But after that, it will be time for me to have a fresh start and a new challenge."

Jenkins, 31, has won 84 caps and played in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions. He will be a cornerstone of the Wales pack in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against England at Twickenham.

PA