AKI SUSPENDED AFTER REFEREE INCIDENT

Ireland’s Six Nations campaign has taken a surprising turn as experienced centre Bundee Aki finds himself sidelined for the tournament’s early rounds following a disciplinary suspension. 

The 35-year-old Connacht and Ireland centre was handed a four-game ban after being found guilty of “verbal abuse and disrespect” toward match officials during Connacht’s United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster late in January. 

The Independent Disciplinary Committee initially imposed a six-week ban, but two weeks were suspended for two years, meaning Aki will effectively serve four games. Those include Connacht’s URC fixture against Zebre Parma and Ireland’s opening three Six Nations matches versus France, Italy and England. 

Aki’s behaviour in Galway, engaging officials “on several occasions” after the match, was judged to breach disciplinary rules and fall short of rugby’s standards of respect toward referees.

As a result, he did not travel with Ireland’s pre-tournament training camp in Portugal, and uncapped Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite was called into the squad as his replacement. 

Ireland’s coaching staff and governing body have been clear that disrespect toward officials isn’t tolerated, though there’s been a softer tone in public remarks. 

Backlines coach Andrew Goodman stressed Aki’s importance to Irish rugby, calling him “a great character” who’s made a mistake and is being supported through the process. Goodman added that once his suspension is served, Aki will be considered for the final Six Nations fixtures at home against Wales and Scotland in March. 

The ban is a significant blow for Ireland, who head into the championship with ambitions of challenging the defending champions France in Paris next week without one of their most experienced midfield presences. 

Image credit: BBC