Ospreys and Wales forward Jonathan Thomas says he must learn from his mistakes after being banned for punching Cardiff Blues' Deiniol Jones.

Thomas is serving a two-week ban that rules him out of Wales' 7 November clash against New Zealand in Cardiff over the incident last weekend.

Thomas said: "I am really disappointed with the suspension.

"But I admit that my actions were wrong and that a punishment had to be served as a result."

Thomas' statement, issued through a sports management firm, says the player has expressed his disappointment and regret over the ban.

The 47-times capped player added: "I would have loved to be in with a chance of selection for the clash with the All Blacks.

"And it will be terrible watching it from the sidelines knowing that I could have been there fighting for my place in the squad to face them.

606: DEBATE Jonathan Thomas should know better. He is after all one of our most senior players LordDowlais

"However, I just have to learn from my mistakes and concentrate on getting fit and ready for the possibility to play later in the series."

Earlier ex-Wales assistant coach Allan Lewis says Wales will miss Thomas against the All Blacks.

But Lewis says Thomas' behaviour was "unacceptable" and he was lucky not to have been "banned for a whole month".

"I think it's a blow for Wales, I think it's a blow for the squad that he's not there because he's a very experienced player," Lewis told BBC Sport Wales.

"But I was absolutely appalled with his action, I think he's been very fortunate that he's only missing the New Zealand game.

"In fact, he could very well have been banned for a whole month."

Thomas' ban only rules him out of the Ospreys' next Magners League match against Glasgow and Wales' opening autumn Test against New Zealand.

Thomas can play again from 12 November, meaning the lock or back-row will be available for Wales' clashes with Samoa, Argentina and Australia on the following weekend in November.

Thomas' victim, Blues lock Jones, said: "That's the decision that was made [by the WRU]. He lashed out, I think. I was not totally innocent myself.

"It's the way it is and he's been given a two-week ban and I'm sure the people who made the decision thought that's appropriate and so be it, that's fine."

I just find it totally, totally unacceptable a professional player, in such a big game, shows a complete lack of control EX-Wales assistant coach Allan Lewis

Lewis believes the player has only himself to blame for his predicament and added: "Personally, obviously, it's a huge blow for Jonathan Thomas not to be available for selection.

"There was no need for it, it was something that was completely unacceptable and as a professional I wouldn't expect such behaviour from an experienced player like Jonathan Thomas.

"If you want to stamp this type of behaviour out of the game I think he should have had more [a longer ban].

"I just find it totally, totally unacceptable a professional player, in such a big game, shows a complete lack of control, lack of discipline and a lack of temperament in such a tight game."

Wales coach Warren Gatland has locks Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris at his disposal, while he could also call in a replacement for the All Blacks game such as Thomas' fellow Osprey Ian Gough.

"I'm sure he's [Gatland] got the cover there but it must be a blow for him because Jonathan Thomas is actually a very good line-out forward and he understands the line-out calls... so it is a blow for Gatland," Lewis added.

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