Veteran centre Bundee Aki has been dropped from Ireland’s Six Nations training squad as he faces a misconduct charge related to his behaviour towards match officials during Connacht’s recent loss to Leinster.
Aki, a regular feature in coach Andy Farrell’s side, is now expected to miss Ireland’s Six Nations opener against France in Paris on February 6.
The Irish Rugby Football Union says Aki is alleged to have “engaged with the match official team on several occasions in a manner which may be deemed to be in breach of the league’s disciplinary rules” during Connacht’s 34-23 defeat in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.
The 35-year-old is appearing before an independent disciplinary committee today.
He has been replaced by uncapped Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite in the Irish squad currently training in Portugal.
In another blow to Ireland’s preparations, full-back Hugo Keenan is a major doubt for the France match after injuring his thumb during training. Keenan has not played since undergoing hip surgery following the Lions’ tour of Australia last year, where he scored the series-clinching try.
The IRFU says it does not tolerate any form of disrespect towards match officials and does not condone actions that fall below the standards expected of players representing Irish rugby.
The Union has confirmed it is investigating the matter internally and will not make further comment at this stage.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
