Ireland have wasted little time in moving to address\u00a0Bundee Aki\u2019s\u00a0future after the centre was dropped from the squad last week following a disciplinary issue.<\/p>\n
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local\u00a0Greene King sports pub<\/a>.<\/p>\n The decision means Aki will miss the opening three rounds of the\u00a0Six Nations Championship, but despite the setback, Ireland have made it clear they are standing by the experienced midfielder.<\/p>\n Speaking after the ban, Ireland attack coach\u00a0Andrew Goodman\u00a0described Aki as a \u201cgreat character\u201d, admitting the centre has made a mistake but insisting the coaching staff will support him as he works through it.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u2b50 Save us to your\u00a0Google Favourites\u00a0<\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Away from rugby, the New Zealander has firmly established his life in the west of the country. When he isn\u2019t focused on training, Aki lives in a cosy and stylish\u00a0Galway\u00a0home with his wife Kayla and their three children.<\/p>\n The couple have two daughters, Armani-Jade and Adrianna, and a son named Andronikas, who they welcomed in January 2021.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been 10 years since I\u2019ve been here so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people and Irish culture,\u201d he said at the ceremony.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be able to get my citizenship today is an unbelievable privilege, so I\u2019m delighted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve embraced the people and the people have embraced me and my family as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI have nothing to complain about here. I love the people, love the culture. There\u2019s not a bad word I could speak about Ireland. It is my home\u201d<\/p>\n While Aki will be sidelined for the opening rounds of the Six Nations, Ireland\u2019s swift response has underlined their belief that this is a temporary setback rather than a defining moment in his international career.<\/p>\n DITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n \u201cUtterly woeful\u201d \u2013 Five Ireland players who flopped against France<\/p>\n While France dazzled in attack, this was also an evening that brutally exposed individual Irish shortcomings \u2014 and several players endured nights to forget. <\/p>\n Here are five Ireland players who flopped against Les Bleus.<\/p>\n 1\u00a0Dan Sheehan<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ratings<\/p>\n Rugby Pass: 5<\/p>\n Planet Rugby: 5<\/p>\n BALLS: 4<\/p>\n FloRugby 5<\/p>\n Comments<\/p>\n FLORUGBY<\/a>: \u201cFinishing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n BALLS:\u00a0\u201cThrew 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Planet Rugby<\/a>:\u00a0\u201cThe basics were solid enough, with his lineout work absolute pinpoint, but he\u2019s certainly not been at his best since suffering that ACL injury in July 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n