Lee Thomas on his way to Lyon

FORMER Pontypridd and Cardiff Blues back Lee Thomas is the latest Welshman to head to France to play rugby.

The former Blues fly-half and centre has left Guinness Premiership outfit Sale Sharks to head to big-spending Lyon in French rugby’s second division.

The 26-year-old Welsh centre, who left the Blues in 2006, became a key figure for the Sharks and enjoyed an impressive stint in English rugby’s top flight.

But Thomas, who only signed a new two-year deal with the Guinness Premiership outfit in December 2009, has been allowed to leave this summer.

Mike Brewer, who is now head coach at Sale, is clearing out a Sharks squad which just avoided relegation last season.

Lyon, who narrowly missed out on promotion to France’s top 14 last season, have already targeted a push for a place in French rugby’s top flight next season.

Thomas and flanker Luke Abraham, a Sale team-mate, are two of seven signings to join the ambitious French club.

Lyon lost the Pro D2 play-off to Rochelle.