Ireland's Auckland-born midfielder Bundee Aki will sit out half of Ireland's Six Nations rugby campaign over referee abuse

He's copped a six match ban - with the final two weeks suspended - for breaching misconduct rules on several occasions in his Connacht side's URC loss to Leinster over the weekend.



He won't play against France in the opening game next week nor Italy or England.

The committee acknowledged Aki's remorse but were unable to apply mitigation due to his previous disciplinary record and lack of plea.

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