Rugby - Wales Leave Thomas Position Open

Wales have left a space for Gareth Thomas on the right wing in their Six Nations opener against Ireland as they await news of his disciplinary case.

Chris Czekaj gets a first Championship game on the left wing, Shane Williams and Mark Jones ruled out with injury.

Wales have chosen a powerful pack, props Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman picked ahead of Duncan and Adam Jones.

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Locks Ian Gough and Alun Wyn Jones have behind them a back row of Alix Popham, Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones.

Coach Gareth Jenkins is thought to have turned to a muscular pack having seen Leicester overwhelm Munster in the Heineken Cup, six forwards from the Irish province being selected in the Ireland eight.

Thomas faces a possible ban on Thursday if a European Rugby Cup panel in Dublin finds him guilty of engaging in "aggressive exchanges with spectators" after an incident in a match between his side Toulouse and Ulster.

If Thomas is ruled out, Haldane Luscombe will move from outside centre to right wing, with Jamie Robinson coming in at 13.

Harlequins three-quarter Luscombe is recalled having been injured for the autumn Tests.

He partners James Hook in the centre, with no place in the 22 for Gavin Henson.

Wales' team selection for Sunday's game at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium was delayed because of Thomas' case, and due to fruitless hopes that wings Jones (ankle) and Williams (hip) would be fit for selection.

Jenkins said: "We were hugely disappointed to find out that the hearing would occur this week. It has been a challenge to the squad and to Gareth himself - but it is a challenge we have managed and coped with. We have had to come up with a contingency plan to replace Gareth if the hearing decided he cannot play on Sunday. Hal is more than comfortable in either position, and we are fortunate to have someone of his versatility to help solve this selection issue. Jamie is also a quality player, who has been unlucky to miss out on initial selection - and he knows what his country requires of him and is ready to step up to the plate if necessary."

Wales have also lost Bath number eight Gareth Delve to an ankle injury, Ospreys back-row Jonathan Thomas called up as squad cover.