Bundee Aki set to miss most of Six Nations

Ireland and Connacht centre Bundee Aki will miss the bulk of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign after being handed a suspension following a disciplinary hearing.

An Independent Disciplinary Committee has imposed a six-week ban on Aki, with two weeks suspended for a period of two years. This means the 34-year-old will serve an effective four-week suspension unless he commits a similar offence during the suspension window.

The misconduct charge arose from Connacht’s United Rugby Championship Round 10 match against Munster at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, on January 24. The committee found that Aki engaged with match officials after the game in a manner that breached league disciplinary regulations.

After reviewing submissions from all parties, the panel concluded that Aki’s actions amounted to verbal abuse and disrespect towards match officials.

While the committee acknowledged the player’s expression of regret, his previous disciplinary record and the absence of an early plea meant no reduction in sanction was applied.

Matches Aki will miss

As a result of the suspension, Aki will be unavailable for the following fixtures:

January 31 – URC: Zebre Parma v Connacht
February 5 – Six Nations: France v Ireland
February 14 – Six Nations: Ireland v Italy
February 21 – Six Nations: England v Ireland