Ireland address Bundee Aki’s international future following ban
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Future.
Ireland have addressed Bundee Aki’s future after he was dropped from the squad this week for disciplinary reasons.
Aki appeared before a disciplinary committee on Tuesday, where he was banned for four games, after being found guilty of verbal abuse of a match official in Connacht’s defeat to Leinster.
The ban means he will miss the opening three rounds of the Six Nations, but despite being dropped, he still has Ireland’s support.
Speaking following the ban, Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman says Aki is a “great character” and while they admit he has made a mistake, they will look to help him through it.
“I can’t give you too much detail on the actual incident,” said Goodman.
“But first of all I’d say that we know respect is a massive part of the game we play, and referees are obviously a big part of that as well, so we take that very seriously.
“The other thing is that we’ve got huge support for Bundee. I’ve worked with him for the last couple of years, but have known him a lot longer than that. I know he’s a great character and he’s made a mistake and we’re going to help him work through it.”
Goodman also confirmed Aki would be considered for selection when his suspension is completed, with the Connacht centre eligible for the final two games of the championship.
“Of course, a player of Bundee’s calibre that’s done great things in the Irish jersey before, will definitely be considered,” Goodman added.
“But for now, we’re working with the guys that we’ve got. When you look at a Jude Posthlewaite coming into the camp for the first time and the excitement that he’s shown over these first couple of days, we’ve got Tom Farrell, obviously who made his debut in November and has been consistently good for Munster again, Ringer (Garry Ringrose), and then Stu (Stuart McCloskey), who in November was one of our standout players.
“They’re really ready to go, and we’re working with them and looking forward to that.”
