MATTHEW Rees could be the latest Wales star to join the exodus to France after yesterday’s announcement Jamie Roberts will be moving across the Channel.

Lions player of the 2009 series, centre Roberts is leaving Cardiff Blues at the end of the season and is expected to join Parisian big-spenders Racing Métro.

His departure is seen by many as another bitter blow to the prestige of cash-strapped domestic rugby in the wake of this week’s damning report by top acccountants PriceWaterhouse Coopers into the state of the regional game in Wales.

Roberts will join other big names like Luke Charteris and James Hook at Perpignan, Toulon’s Gethin Jenkins and Bayonne’s Mike Phillips, the four already lured across La Manche by lucrative deals.

On being asked if he would consider a move abroad, Scarlets hooker Rees, out of contract at the end of the season, replied: “You can never say never because you don’t know what’s around the corner.

“But I’m just concentrating on the remainder of this season and we’ll take it from there.”

Former Wales captain Rees, who is set to win his 55th cap against Argentina tomorrow, believes sides in the British Isles simply can’t compete with the French aristocrats when it comes to holding on to talented players.

But the two-times Grand Slam winner added that the Welsh Rugby Union and the regions have to come up with some answers.

“I’m not sure the English, Welsh and Irish sides will be able to compete with the French teams,” he said.

“So it comes down to a question for the individual concerned.

“Jamie has made the decision to go to France.

“One of the biggest things is the respect Welsh players have now which we probably didn’t have in the past.

“French clubs are interested in coming in and poaching players. It’s up to the regions and the union to sort it out.”

Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins believes Roberts’ decision to leave isn’t disastrous if the 26-year-old can ensure his release to represent his country throughout the year.

“It’s a difficult scenario for us – we obviously want our best players playing in Wales as often as we can,” he said.

“Jamie’s made a decision that he won’t be with the Blues for the coming seasons, but I think the most important thing from our point of view is that wherever he does go, he gets full release. He can come to these pre-autumn training camps and the same in the Six Nations.”

Jenkins added: “If that’s the case, Jamie will be a full part of this Wales squad going forward.”