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.

LONDON Irish’s Guinness Premiership title challenge faces being severely undermined after director of rugby Brian Smith was accused of abusing match officials.

London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith will attend an RFU disciplinary hearing on Tuesday to answer accusations of the verbal abuse of match officials.