If he is found guilty, any ban could rule the former Wales captain out of Sunday’s Six Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins has taken the view that Thomas remains part of his team until the European Rugby Cup’s disciplinary panel rules otherwise.

Thomas and Cardiff’s Chris Czekaj have been selected on the wings, after both Shane Williams (hip) and Mark Jones (ankle) failed to prove their fitness in time.

Kevin Morgan starts at full-back, while Hal Luscombe comes into the midfield alongside Six Nations debutant James Hook.

If Thomas is ruled out Cardiff’s Jamie Robinson will come into the centre, and Luscombe will move onto the wing.

There is no place in the squad for Gavin Henson.

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.”

In the pack, Alix Popham starts at blindside flanker, with Alan Wyn Jones moving into the second row in place of the injured Ian Evans.

Worcester tighthead prop Chris Horsman has nudged ahead of Adam Jones, who drops out of the squad, with hooker Rhys Thomas and Gethin Jenkins completing the front row.

Referring to Henson and Adam Jones, Jenkins added: “We have a strong squad, and players who have been left out through form or injury should not be disheartened.

“The door remains open for players to return during the course of the championship, and we look forward to more weeks of intense competition.”

Wales team to play Ireland in the Six Nations on Sunday:

K Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons); G Thomas (Toulouse), H Luscombe (Harlequins), J Hook (Ospreys), C Czekaj (Cardiff Blues); S Jones (Llanelli Scarlets, capt), D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), R Thomas (Cardiff Blues), C Horsman (Worcester), I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), AW Jones (Ospreys), A Popham (Llanlli Scarlets), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys)

Replacements: M Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), D Jones (Ospreys), R Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), G Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), M Phillips (Cardiff Blues), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), AN Other.