A slap on the wrist: Ireland superstar Bundee Aki to miss majority of Six Nations

The 35-year-old centre was dropped from Andy Farrell's squad on Wednesday, with Ulster midfielder Jude Postlethwaite taking his place.

On Wednesday, Aki faced an Independent Disciplinary Committee, which issued a six-week suspension, two of which are suspended for two years.

This means that he will miss Connacht's United Rugby Championship fixture against Zebre this weekend, as well as Ireland's first three games of the Six Nations: against France, Italy and England.

He will be free to play again for Connacht against the Glasgow Warriors on 28 February, meaning that he will be available for selection for the closing two matches of the Six Nations against Wales and Scotland.

The United Rugby Championship confirmed Aki's suspension on Wednesday evening, stating that his actions towards the match officials 'constituted verbal abuse and disrespect'.

"A Misconduct Complaint made against Connacht Rugby's Bundee Aki has been upheld by an Independent Disciplinary Committee, resulting in a six (6) week suspension, two (2) of which are suspended for two years," the statement read.

"The Player today appeared in front of an Independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Roddy Dunlop KC (Scotland) and supported by Attie Heyns (South Africa) and Andrea Caranci (Italy), who considered the complaint related to Misconduct in breach of the United Rugby Championship's Disciplinary Rules (including Clauses 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3).

"The Misconduct charges arose from the Round 10 United Rugby Championship fixture on Saturday, January 24 at Dexcom Stadium, Galway. After considering all of the submissions, the Independent Committee deemed that the Player engaged with the match official team after the game on several occasions in a manner which breached the Disciplinary Rules.

"The Independent Committee concluded that the Player's behaviour constituted verbal abuse and disrespect of a Match Official(s) under the relevant Rules."

The committee felt that while a six-week ban was appropriate, two weeks would be suspended. It also recognised the centre was full of regret for his actions and was grateful for the approach that he took towards the proceedings.

"However, given the Player's previous disciplinary record (including incidents of a similar nature) and his lack of a plea in this case, the Independent Committee could not apply mitigation to the sanction, the statement continued.

"The Committee reminded the Player of the importance of the Spirit and values of the game of rugby and the importance of respect towards Match Officials. The Player was reminded of his right to appeal."

Fixtures Bundee Aki is unavailable for:

January 31 – URC: Zebre Parma v Connacht

February 5 – Six Nations: France v Ireland

February 14 – Six Nations: Ireland v Italy

February 21 – Six Nations:  England v Ireland