London Irish boss could face ban

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

Smith has been called to attend a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing on May 2 after being charged with "conduct prejudicial to the interests of the union and the game".

The Australian is understood to have been furious at referee Nick Williams and touch-judge James Minards over their handling of a second team game at Gloucester, which London Irish 'A' won 12-7 in appalling conditions.