Thomas will miss Sunday's clash with Ireland and the games in Scotland and France after deciding not to appeal against the European Rugby Cup sanction.

The Toulouse full-back 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 European Rugby Cup disciplinary panel ruled Thomas had "lost reason" and hit him with a four-week ban and a fine of £4,960.

The WRU spent Friday consulting their lawyers and considering the merits of an appeal against a sanction they believed to be "severe".

But, under tournament regulation, Thomas would not have been free to play until the appeal was heard and the decision was made to accept the punishment.

Thomas is now determined to remain part of the squad and return to the side for game four against Italy in Rome.

He said: 'I just want to resume training and support the Wales team to a victory over Ireland in Cardiff on Sunday.

'I will be with them heart and soul just like every other Welsh fan. I will be standing shoulder to shoulder with the team throughout the Six Nations.'

Wales were not impressed Thomas' hearing had been arranged for this week and it caused significant upheaval in the camp.

Head coach Gareth Jenkins was having enough trouble patching up their back division following the loss of Tom Shanklin, Mark Jones and Shane Williams to injury.

News of Thomas' suspension came just four hours after he had been named in the side to play Ireland.

Wales will be looking to expose Ireland's scrum, their biggest perceived weakness.
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