London Irish back-row forward James Cockle will miss the club's Heineken Cup debut against Toulouse this weekend after being suspended for stamping.
The club's action comes ahead of a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing tomorrow, where Cockle is expected to be banned over the incident which got him sent off in London Irish's defeat by Sale on Saturday.
A spokesman said the club had decided to act after watching a video of the game, despite the fact that they can ill-afford to be without a player capable of operating at flanker or number eight.
"The team suffered for James Cockle's stupidity on Saturday last and unfortunately, will continue to do so this weekend given the current injury crisis among our back row players," the spokesman said.
"We will be travelling to Toulouse for our first ever Heineken Cup match without any specialist back row cover."