Thomas, once a favourite with the Cardiff club side, will add strength to a Blues squad whose limitations were again demonstrated by their failure, for the sixth successive season, to qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.

We're trying to negotiate his release from Toulouse before January 31, which is the deadline for our domestic competition, said chief executive Robert Norster.

But we need to respect the fact that he's under contract to Toulouse and they will probably want him to see out his term.

However, we've agreed terms with Gareth for the next two seasons and we look forward to seeing him return to the Arms Park.

A dramatic 27-24 victory over Bourgoin, secured by an injury-time penalty from Nicky Robinson, allowed the Blues to end this season's European campaign on a high, but coach Dai Young is under no illusions about their shortcomings.

People were right to point out that a 30-man squad wasn't big enough, he said. If we want to compete we need a bigger squad.

A lot of players were out on their feet in the last 20 minutes. They've put their bodies on the line the last couple of weeks and we haven't been able to rest them.

He regarded the return of former star Thomas as particularly good news.

Alfie' is a quality player and can play at top level in three different positions in the back line, said Young.

People doubted whether he'd stick it out in France, but he's shown great character.

As captain of Wales, he's demonstrated he is a real leader and we offer us a lot both on and off the field.