The Exiles' No.8 pleaded guilty before an RFU Disciplinary Panel to the charge relating to an incident in Wasps' 33-22 win and is suspended until May 5. He will be free to play again on Thursday, May 6.

Hala'Ufia will therefore miss Sunday's match with Leeds and the fixture at Gloucester, but could return for the Exiles' final match of the regular season against Northampton on May 8 and the Guinness Premiership play-offs.

The 32-year-old New Zealander, who was capped 66 times by his country, quit the Crusaders in 2008 to make the move to Kingsholm but is now set to return to the southern hemisphere with the newly-formed Rebels.

"I'm happy to say Greg Somerville is one of the players we are talking to," Rebels head coach Rod Macqueen told The Australian.

The hooker hobbled off in the 27-19 victory over the Scarlets at the Liberty Stadium earlier this month and subsequent scans have revealed ligament damage which will require surgery.

"The decision to go through with this process rules Richard out for the remainder of the 09/10 season," Ospreys physio Chris Tower said. "However, he will work hard throughout the summer and should be back to full fitness for next season."

Willis has proven a big hit with the Dragons faithful since arriving at Rodney Parade from the Waikato Chiefs in the summer of 2008 and was only to happy to put pen to paper on a contract extension.

"When I came here two years ago I felt that this was a young team who wanted to develop and improve, I felt that I could help contribute towards this growth. Over the past two seasons I feel we have made considerable progress and this has been reflected in our performances this season," he said.

"The team here has a great spirit and all are looking to improve both individually and as a unit and I am pleased that I am going to continue to be part of this development going forward." Wales international Thomas, meanwhile, has agreed to sign a new contract less than 12 months after joining from the Scarlets.

"I have really enjoyed playing for the team this year and it's been great to have got a run of games under my belt," he said. "The team and organisation are looking to improve all the time and the new training facilities are just one example of this. There's a great team sprit here and I am delighted that I am going to be a part of it over the next two seasons."

The former Scotland international has already been forced to issue a public apology after being involved in a separate incident at an after-party later in the day.

Melrose centre Jamie Murray has also been asked to appear at the hearing into the alleged abuse of a match official.

"The opportunity to train with those internationally acclaimed players (Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw) influenced the decision," Mabeta said. "I am learning from the best in the world and I believe I can reach that same level if I train and learn from them every day. I blossom in the environment and structures at the Bulls and I am very happy that this will continue."