Ireland have moved quickly to address Bundee Aki’s future after the centre was dropped from the squad last week following a disciplinary issue.

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The decision means Aki will miss the opening three rounds of the Six Nations, but despite the setback, Ireland have made it clear they are standing by him.

Speaking after the ban, Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman described Aki as a “great character”, admitting he has made a mistake but insisting the coaching staff will support him as he works through it.

Aki has represented Ireland 68 times since making his debut in 2017 and has never hidden his pride in pulling on the green jersey. That was underlined again last year when he became an Irish citizen, calling the moment a huge privilege.

“It’s been 10 years since I’ve been here so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people and Irish culture,” he said at the ceremony.

“To be able to get my citizenship today is an unbelievable privilege, so I’m delighted.

“I’ve embraced the people and the people have embraced me and my family as well.

“I have nothing to complain about here. I love the people, love the culture. There’s not a bad word I could speak about Ireland.”

Editors Picks:

Who has the most foreign-born players? 2026 Six Nations

So, which nation has the most foreign-born players in 2026?

Scotland — 14 foreign-born players (35%)

Homegrown: 26/40 (65%)

Foreign-born: 14/40 (35%)

Scotland once again lead the Six Nations for overseas-born representation.

Full list (Scotland)

Nathan McBeth — South Africa (Grandparent)

Pierre Schoeman — South Africa (Residency, 2021)

Ewan Ashman — Canada (Parent)

Elliot Millar Mills — England (Parent)

Josh Bayliss — England (Grandparent)

Jack Dempsey — Australia (Grandparent)

Ben White — England (Grandparent)

Fergus Burke — New Zealand (Grandparent)

Tom Jordan — New Zealand (Residency, 2024)

Rory Hutchinson — England (Grandparent)

Sione Tuipulotu — Australia (Grandparent)

Kyle Rowe — England (Cumulative Residency)

Kyle Steyn — South Africa (Parent)

Duhan van der Merwe — South Africa (Residency, 2020)

Wales — 9 foreign-born players (23.6%)

Homegrown: 29/38 (76.3%)

Foreign-born: 9/38 (23.6%)

Wales sit mid-table, with most foreign-born players coming through English development pathways or overseas heritage.

Full list (Wales)

Tomas Francis — England (Grandparent)

Archie Griffin — Australia (Parent)

Ben Carter — England (Residency, 2004)

Freddie Thomas — England (Grandparent)

Olly Cracknell — England (Grandparent)

Josh MacLeod — Monaco (Residency, 2004)

Gabriel Hamer-Webb — England (Parent)

Ellis Mee — England (Parent)

Blair Murray — New Zealand (Parent)

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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