London Irish’s hopes of a Guinness Premiership and European Challenge Cup double were dealt a major blow last night when director of rugby Brian Smith was banned for three weeks.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith has been banned for three weeks and given a £2,000 (€2,900) fine after pleading guilty to abusing match officials.

Leicester have hit their England and Lions flanker Lewis Moody with a four-week ban after he admitting striking an opponent.