By:
Conor Martin
Bundee Aki has been sensationally axed from the Ireland squad on the eve of the Six Nations opener against France after a disciplinary flashpoint at club level.
The IRFU moved swiftly to withdraw the Connacht centre following his conduct after Saturday night’s defeat to Leinster. Aki conceded a late penalty for dissent and is understood to have confronted match officials repeatedly once the game had ended.
Those incidents have now spilt into the international arena. The 68-cap veteran has made Ireland’s Six Nations squad and was expected to be named on Andy Farrell’s bench for the trip to the Stade de France, but he will instead appear before a disciplinary committee to determine whether his actions merit a suspension.
Aki’s absence is another headache Ireland have to deal with
It is a dramatic turn for a player who has been central to Ireland’s success in recent seasons. Aki’s power, edge and experience have made him a go-to option in the biggest games, particularly against heavyweight opposition like France. Losing him days out from the championship opener is a major disruption to Ireland’s plans as they look to win back their Six Nations crown.
Farrell must now reshuffle his midfield resources as Ireland prepare for a hostile Paris atmosphere and a French side eager to make an early statement. The timing could hardly be worse.
For Aki, the focus shifts from Six Nations selection to disciplinary judgment. The outcome will dictate not only his immediate availability but potentially his role for the remainder of the championship. One lapse of control has already cost him a place on rugby’s biggest opening weekend.
It also sends a clear warning across the squad that Farrell and the IRFU understandably have high standards around respect for officials, regardless of reputation, caps or status.
A squad update from Portugal. pic.twitter.com/3UmbcLB5EK
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 28, 2026
IRFU’s actions show they will not tolerate Bundee Aki and Ireland team-mates disrespecting officials
The IRFU confirmed the news with a strong statement that was released on Wednesday: “The IRFU can confirm that Bundee Aki has not travelled with the Men’s senior squad to Portugal for disciplinary reasons.
“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.”
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