Connacht's Bundee Aki handed three-week ban

by The TRU Team Thursday 27 April 2017

Connacht centre Bundee Aki, with ball, has been banned for three games

©PA

Connacht centre Bundee Aki has been handed a three-week ban after he was proven guilty of a misconduct.

The 27-year-old, who will qualify to play for Ireland on residency grounds later this year was charged with "behaviour to and remarks directed toward" match referee Ian Davies following the Pro 12 encounter against Leinster 12 days ago.

Aki attended the disciplinary hearing via video link on Thursday after a misconduct complaint was raised against him by the Guinness PRO12 disciplinary officer.

A statement released by the PRO 12 confirmed a three-week ban for Aki, who will now miss the clashes against Scarlets and Munster, apart from a European Champions Cup qualification play-off fixture.

"The complaint referred to Mr Aki's behaviour to and remarks directed toward referee Ian Davies during and immediately after the Round 20 fixture between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby.

"Those actions were deemed to constitute misconduct under the tournament's disciplinary rules, in particular pursuant to the clauses set out in Section 3.

"Mr Aki admitted to the charge of misconduct, and the panel agreed upon a sanction of a three-match suspension."