Samoan-born Irish centre, Bundee Aki's Rugby World Cup is over after receiving a three-week ban for a red card offense during their 47-5 victory over Samoa last Saturday.
Ireland’s Bundee Aki to miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup after being hit with three-match ban https://t.co/UPJOgB6EOu pic.twitter.com/ekHi1uUHVG
— Distinct Athlete (@DistinctAthlete) October 14, 2019
Aki attended a disciplinary hearing last night to try and overturn the red card penalty.
Having considered all the angles of the incident, together with evidence from the player and his representatives, the committee upheld the decision of the referee.
Really how much lower could he have got with Ulupano Seuteni's body position the player was stooping after gathering a bouncing ball. Aki is stopped and moving his weight left.
— ℝ𝕠𝕟á𝕟 (@RonanB) October 14, 2019
Final image is post hit, not at hit. Doesn't look great, but doesn't paint full picture... #BundeeAki pic.twitter.com/wIqvVEQGmm
The committee took into account the mitigating factors that are considered in relation to the sanction, including the player’s good disciplinary record, the committee then reduced the six-week entry point by the maximum permitted three weeks, resulting in a sanction of three weeks, which equates to three matches in the context of Rugby World Cup 2019.
🔴 CARD! Bundee Aki hit hard and high, off he goes.#beINRWC #RWC2019 #IREvSAM pic.twitter.com/37BqoPMxx1
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 12, 2019
Aki will miss Ireland’s quarter-final against New Zealand this Saturday, the semi-final and final of Rugby World Cup 2019 should Ireland qualify or should Ireland not qualify for these games, the player’s next club match or matches with Connacht in the PRO14 on his return from international duty.
In the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals, Australia will face England at 7.15pm this Saturday, the All Blacks take on Ireland at 10.15pm this Saturday while France will play Wales at 7.15pm this Sunday.
Japan will face South Africa in the last quarterfinal at 10.15pm this Sunday.
World Rugby
