Ireland star Bundee Aki dropped from Six Nations opener

Connacht and Ireland Centre Bundee Aki has been dropped from the Ireland Six Nations squad to face France on Thursday next week.

Last Saturday night Aki, 35, was involved in numerous altercations with match officials during Connacht’s 23 – 34 loss to title holders Leinster as the hosts fell to defeat on the opening of the newly upgraded Dexcom stadium.

Aki qualified to play for Ireland in 2017 after completing a three-year residency making him eligible for selection and has been a stalwart and reliable Centre ever since.

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The shock omission comes at a time where many agree Ireland’s discipline has been slowly slipping and if they have any hopes of being crowned Six Nations Champions once again then this key area needs immediate scrutiny.

Reaction

In a statement the IRFU said: “The IRFU does not tolerate any form of disrespect shown towards match officials and does not condone actions that fall below the standards expected of players representing Irish rugby.”

The IRFU are investigating the matter further internally and no additional comment will be made at this time.

Aki has been replaced in the squad by Ulster‘s uncapped centre Jude Postlethwaite.

No statement as yet has been made from Aki.

Written by Chris Collyer

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