Ireland's preparations for the Six Nations Championship have been disrupted by a significant disciplinary issue, with veteran centre Bundee Aki facing suspension for the opening match against France. The 35-year-old Connacht player has been withdrawn from Andy Farrell's squad and is under investigation by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Disciplinary Investigation Underway
The IRFU is investigating Aki for alleged disrespect shown to match officials during Connacht's 34-23 United Rugby Championship defeat to Leinster on Saturday. In a strongly worded statement, the union emphasised that it "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."
Aki has not travelled to Portugal for Ireland's pre-tournament training camp ahead of their February 5 fixture in Paris. His absence has resulted in a call-up for uncapped Ulster back Jude Postlethwaite, while Stuart McCloskey is now expected to start at inside centre for the Stade de France showdown.
Independent Hearing Scheduled
The United Rugby Championship has confirmed that Aki faces an independent hearing on Wednesday regarding his conduct. A URC statement revealed that the player 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 related to misconduct."
This development represents a significant blow for Ireland, as Aki - a Test British and Irish Lion with 68 caps - was on course for a bench role in what promises to be a crucial early title clash. The 35-year-old could potentially miss further matches if the misconduct charge is upheld, with fixtures against Italy and England scheduled before the tournament's fallow week.
France's Injury Crisis Deepens
Meanwhile, France's preparations have been overshadowed by concerning medical news regarding prop Uini Atonio. The 35-year-old forward has been forced into immediate retirement after suffering a heart attack that has ended his playing career.
Atonio, who had been named in Fabien Galthie's initial Six Nations squad, was admitted to La Rochelle hospital on Tuesday with a suspected heart problem. Subsequent examinations confirmed a myocardial infarction, with the player now recovering in intensive care.
Club Statement on Atonio's Condition
His club La Rochelle, with whom he won two European titles, issued a statement confirming: "His condition is now stable and he remains under surveillance in intensive care. At the end of his hospitalisation, Uini will have to observe a long period of convalescence. It is now established that he will not be able to continue his playing career."
The statement continued emotionally: "Uini holds a special place in the history and heart of our club. This news touches us deeply," highlighting the significant impact of this sudden career-ending medical event on French rugby.
Both incidents represent major disruptions to the preparations of two leading Six Nations contenders, with disciplinary and medical issues casting shadows over what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament opener in Paris.
