THE drain of Welsh rugby talent to France is set to continue, with players in divisions below the regions now targets.

After top international trio Colin Charvis, Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones, Newport outside half Daniel Griffiths (pictured) is the latest to come to the notice of our Celtic neighbours.

The 25-year-old former Whitland and Welsh Students player is in France on a two-month trial with French Championship Division Two leaders Bayonne.

He is set to play in their final four championship games as replacement for injured former France international Christophe Lamaison.

Bayonne need a replacement who can kick and Griffiths fills that role, for as well as being a fine runner, with seven tries for Newport this season, he has also kicked 281 points for the Welsh Premier Division champions. Griffiths, out of contract at Newport, could not be contacted today, but his mother told the Argus:

"He expects to have a run out with their seconds team this weekend before stepping up to the first side.

Bayonne, joint leaders of their table with Auch, lost to Dax last time up and next face strugglers Bordeaux-Begles on May 14 when Griffiths could make his senior debut.

Charvis' struggling side Tarbes are in the same division. If Griffiths is lost to Newport, he may not be the only member of this season's championship side to depart.

The club face a much tighter budget next season and some of the higher paid members will have to accept pay cuts or look elsewhere.

Among those who could be targets are skipper Gareth Gravell, wing Craig Richards, scrum half Llyr Lane, prop David Pattison and second rows Matthew Veater and Steve Martin.

But the club started from scratch with many unknown players this season yet still won the championship and are ready to rebuild again if necessary. There are also set to be changes at coaching and administrative level but it is understood no firm decisions have yet been made.