Aki to miss key Six Nations clashes after ban

by | Jan 29, 2026 | African Golf News

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Ireland centre Bundee Aki has been suspended for verbally abusing match officials.

The 35-year-old will miss the opening three rounds of the Six Nations after being handed a four-match ban.

Aki was sanctioned following Connacht’s Vodacom URC defeat to Leinster last weekend, where an independent disciplinary committee found him guilty of “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards the referee team.

He initially received a six-week ban, with two matches suspended, leaving a four-game sanction in place.

As a result, Aki will sit out Connacht’s URC clash against Zebre this weekend and Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures against France, Italy and England.

Ireland begin their campaign away to France in Paris on 5 February, host Italy in Dublin on 14 February, and then travel to Twickenham to face England on 21 February. Aki will be eligible to return for the final two rounds against Wales and Scotland in March.

In confirming the outcome, the URC said Aki had shown “full regret for his actions” and thanked him for his approach during the disciplinary process. However, the committee noted that it could not apply mitigation due to his previous disciplinary record, which includes similar incidents, and because he did not enter a plea.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed that Aki had not travelled with the squad to their pre-Six Nations training camp in Portugal. Ulster centre Jude Postlethwaite was subsequently called into the Ireland squad, while the IRFU said the matter would also be dealt with internally.

ALSO: Ireland’s backline woes deepen

Aki, a two-time British & Irish Lions tourist, has earned 68 Test caps for Ireland and played a key role in three Six Nations titles, including Grand Slam triumphs in 2018 and 2023. He was also nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023.

The suspension adds to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell’s growing concerns ahead of the championship. Fullback Hugo Keenan has already returned home from camp with a fractured thumb, while prop Jack Boyle and forward Tom Ahern have also withdrawn, prompting further squad changes.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

The post Aki to miss key Six Nations clashes after ban appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.