Thomas will now definitely miss Wales' first three games of the RBS 6 Nations  against Ireland on Sunday, Scotland at Murrayfield on February 10 and the trip to play France a fortnight later.

He will be available for selection from March 1.

Thomas had admitted to flicking his middle finger at Ulster supporters during a controversial Heineken Cup game on January 21 - and he was also found guilty of attempting to jump into the crowd.

The disciplinary panel ruled Thomas had 'lost reason' and hit him with a four-week ban and a fine of £4,960.

WRU chief executive Roger Lewis believed there were sufficient grounds for an appeal against the severity of the sentence - but decided it would not be in the best interests of the game.

He said: 'We have carefully considered with Gareth Thomas the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and have also consulted with our lawyers.

'We have paid particular attention to the reasons given by the Committee by way of justification of a sentence which we regard as severe.

'Whilst we think there are grounds for challenging the sentence neither Gareth nor the Welsh Rugby Union consider it would be in his best interests, or the best interests of the game, for an appeal to be lodged.'