NEWPORT outside half Daniel Griffiths, already hailed in local French newspapers as the 'King of Bayonne', has played a major role in helping his adopted side to promotion to the top tier of the French championship.

The Llanelli-born ace kicked seven penalties and a conversion for 23 points as Bayonne won 28-18 in front of a crowd of 5,000 at Perigueux at the weekend to clinch the French First Division title in their centenary year.

Nearest rivals Auch also won, against La Rochelle, to finish joint top, but Bayonne took the title on a slightly better points difference and are promoted to the Premier Division's elite 16.

The previous weekend Griffiths kicked five penalties and a conversion for 17 points in helping Bayonne to a 25-16 win over La Rochelle.

In five games to date, all won, he has scored 92 points and Bayonne are very keen to retain the 25-year-old, who has been playing for them at full back.

In addition to a contract for himself, they are prepared to arrange a job for his girlfriend, who works at the Welsh Office, as well as provide a car and accommodation,

Griffiths, however, remains keen to stay in Wales and said his preferred option was to stay at Newport if a suitable new contract can be sorted out.

"Two championships in two countries in the same season. It's a bit unreal really," Griffiths told the Argus. "I wouldn't have gone to France had there been nothing to play for, but it's been superb.

"I hit my stride from the start and it has gone better than I could have imagined. The French have been really friendly everything is spot on.

"They treat you so well it's no wonder more and more Welsh players are coming over here.

"I think I've now proved to myself and everyone else that I can play a bit and I want to play at the highest level.

"It's the French play-offs now between the top four in the division and Bayonne want to add that to the championship in their centenary season. We meet Dax at the weekend.

"After that I'll come home and take a week to think over my future. I've got a great offer to stay at Bayonne and an improved offer from Newport as well as one from an English club.

"My preferred option is to stay at Rodney Parade if something can be sorted out. Last season with them was fantastic and the support was amazing. I wouldn't have got where I am if I hadn't joined Newport in the first place.

"But rugby is my career now and I have to decide what's best for me."