Hodgson was banned by Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Wasps wing Paul Sackey during a Guinness Premiership game earlier this month.

Irish still feel aggrieved at the sanction handed out by a three-man RFU panel which means Hodgson will miss Friday night's Premiership clash at Newcastle and two EDF Energy Cup games.

A statement from the club said: "The club wishes to reiterate its disappointment with the sanction of the RFU panel, and in considering the case on its merits, believes there was a lack of consistency in terms of judging the evidence and the punishment."