Welsh concern as ERC reject Thomas adjournment plea

GARETH THOMAS has failed to have his ERC disciplinary hearing tomorrow adjourned to a later date.

The Welshman is due to answer a charge of engaging in “aggressive exchanges with spectators” after an incident in a Heineken Cup match with Ulster.

Lawyers acting on Thomas' behalf have asked for an adjournment on legal grounds, but the ERC have refused.

Toulouse team-mate Trevor Brennan will also face a disciplinary panel on the same date in Dublin.

Brennan faces an ERC charge of assaulting Ulster supporter Patrick Bamford after leaving the playing area at the Stade Ernest Wallon.

Thomas' hopes of playing in this year's Six Nations are threatened by any potential ban.

A statement from the Welsh Rugby Union said: “Lawyers representing Gareth Thomas have formally asked the ERC to adjourn the disciplinary hearing scheduled for Thursday, but this request has currently been refused.

“Gareth Thomas is still fully involved in the Wales rugby squad preparations for the Six Nations international against Ireland in Cardiff on Sunday.

“The WRU remains anxious to ensure that Gareth Thomas is treated fairly.”

A ban will rule Thomas out of Sunday’s clash, but even if he escapes punishment the former Wales skipper's absence from the Wales camp for the hearing will inevitably disrupt coach Gareth Jenkins' preparations.

Brennan claimed he was provoked by chants about his mother but this has been categorically denied by Ulster supporter Bamford.

Meanwhile, the last time Ryan Jones played in a Six Nations game, Wales beat Ireland at home to seal their first Grand Slam for 27 years.

“I’d do anything to replicate that Grand Slam again, especially as this time it is a massive competition in a massive year.”

But 25-year-old Jones knows Ireland are the form side in the championship after their victories over Australia and South Africa during last autumn’s internationals.

“It is exciting to have such a big game first up. There is no doubt that Ireland are the top-ranked Celtic team,” the Lions forward added.

“And I think they pose the biggest threat and they are the favourites to win this tournament.

“So to take them on first-up is great — we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a great way to set our stall out if we could come away with a win. It would bode well for what should be a great tournament.”

On Ireland, Jones said: “They have an exciting back-row and whoever they pick is going to be a threat. The contact area is going to be huge.

“But we can’t be worried about what they are going to bring. We are going to have to impose ourselves.

“We know the way they are going to play because they have done it that way over the last few years and Eddie (O’Sullivan) is pretty set in his ways.”

Wales are waiting on injured wing pair Shane Williams and Mark Jones.