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Bundee Aki has been suspended for Ireland’s first three Six Nations matches after being handed a four-game ban for “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials in Connacht’s United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Leinster last weekend. <\/b><\/p>\n
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee was handed a six-week ban – two of which are suspended – after an independent disciplinary committee hearing found that he “engaged with the match official team after the game on several occasions”.<\/p>\n
Aki, 35, will miss Connacht’s URC game against Zebre this weekend and Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures against France, Italy and England. <\/p>\n
Earlier on Wednesday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed Aki had not travelled to Ireland’s pre-tournament training camp in Portugal and said it would investigate the matter internally, with Ulster’s Jude Postlethwaite called up to the squad.<\/p>\n
Confirming the sanction, the URC said it recognised Aki’s “full regret for his actions and was grateful for the approach he took towards the proceedings”. <\/p>\n
“However, given the player’s previous disciplinary record (including incidents of a similar nature) and his lack of a plea in this case, the Independent Committee could not apply mitigation to the sanction,” the statement added.<\/p>\n
Ireland face France in Paris on 5 February before hosting Italy in Dublin on 14 February. They take on England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on 21 February before home games against Wales and Scotland on 6 and 14 March. <\/p>\n
Two-time British and Irish Lions tourist Aki has won 68 caps for Ireland and has won three Six Nations titles, including Grand Slams in 2018 and 2023.<\/p>\n
Aki’s suspension is the latest blow for Ireland head coach Andy Farrell in the build-up to the Six Nations. <\/p>\n
On Wednesday, the IRFU confirmed full-back Hugo Keenan returned home from Portugal with a fractured thumb. <\/p>\n
Earlier this week, prop Jack Boyle and versatile forward Tom Ahern pulled out of the squad with Billy Bohan and Cormac Izuchukwu called up. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n