Bundee Aki Excluded from Ireland Six Nations Camp Over Discipline

Bundee Aki, Ireland's experienced rugby centre, has been excluded from the national team's pre-Six Nations training camp in Portugal following a disciplinary matter arising from Connacht's recent United Rugby Championship defeat to Leinster.

The Irish Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday that the 35-year-old Aki did not travel with the squad to the Algarve region, where preparations are underway for Ireland's championship opener against France on February 5 in Paris. Aki, who has earned 68 caps for Ireland, was accused of engaging with match officials in an inappropriate manner after Connacht's 34-23 loss to Leinster on January 27 at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The incident involved repeated confrontations with referee Eoghan Cross, who issued warnings and a penalty during the match for Aki's conduct.

In a statement, the IRFU emphasized its stance on player behavior, saying, "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 union is conducting an internal investigation, and Aki is scheduled to appear before an independent disciplinary...