Ireland have wasted little time in moving 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 Championship, but despite the setback, Ireland have made it clear they are standing by the experienced midfielder.

Speaking after the ban, Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman described Aki as a “great character”, admitting the centre 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, committing his long-term future to Ireland.

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Away from rugby, the New Zealander has firmly established his life in the west of the country. When he isn’t focused on training, Aki lives in a cosy and stylish Galway home with his wife Kayla and their three children.

The couple have two daughters, Armani-Jade and Adrianna, and a son named Andronikas, who they welcomed in January 2021.

There had been rumours he could return to New Zealand, but his commitment to Ireland 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. It is my home”

While Aki will be sidelined for the opening rounds of the Six Nations, Ireland’s swift response has underlined their belief that this is a temporary setback rather than a defining moment in his international career.

DITORS PICKS:

“Utterly woeful” – Five Ireland players who flopped against France

While France dazzled in attack, this was also an evening that brutally exposed individual Irish shortcomings — and several players endured nights to forget.

Here are five Ireland players who flopped against Les Bleus.

1 Dan Sheehan

Rock-solid at the set-piece, Sheehan delivered flawless lineout throws in difficult conditions but struggled to impose himself in open play. With Ireland badly needing go-forward and physical punch, his usually devastating carrying threat was effectively neutralised by a well-drilled French defence.

Ratings

Rugby Pass: 5

Planet Rugby: 5

BALLS: 4

FloRugby 5

Comments

FLORUGBY: “Finishing with five carries and four tackles underlined how little influence he was able to have. It was a night where circumstances limited his impact rather than a lack of effort.”

BALLS: “Threw a perfect lineout despite greasy conditions in Paris. But was a bit of a non-factor in open play as Ireland cried out for some barnstorming Sheehan carries.”

Planet Rugby: “The basics were solid enough, with his lineout work absolute pinpoint, but he’s certainly not been at his best since suffering that ACL injury in July 2024.”

Rugby Pass: “Struggled to get into the game. Ireland’s lineout functioned reasonably well and Sheehan deserves credit for his role in that. Teams are seemingly getting a lot better at neutralising his running threat.”

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