CONNACHT HAVE MADE one final attempt to have Bundee Aki available for their Champions Cup play-off tie by appealing the centre’s three-match suspension.
Aki was banned by a Guinness Pro12 disciplinary panel on 27 April for his remarks directed at referee Ian Davies during Connacht’s round 20 clash with Leinster at the Sportsground.
The Kiwi native has already served two weeks of the suspension but the western province are desperate for Aki to be free to play in their play-off tie against either Northampton Saints or Gloucester the weekend after next.
The 27-year-old’s appeal will be considered at a hearing in Glasgow tomorrow.
A statement released by Pro12 this evening reads:
“Bundee Aki of Connacht Rugby has appealed the three-week suspension that was applied by a Disciplinary Panel on April 27.
“This relates to a Misconduct Complaint from the PRO12 Disciplinary Officer regarding the player’s behaviour to and remarks directed toward, referee Ian Davies, during and immediately after the Round 20 fixture between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby (April 15, 2017).
“The Disciplinary Panel deemed that those actions constituted misconduct under the tournament’s Disciplinary Rules, in particular pursuant to the clauses set out in Section 3.
“Mr Aki admitted to the charge of misconduct and the Disciplinary Panel, chaired by Roger Morris with Simon Thomas as wing (both Wales), agreed upon a sanction of a three-match suspension.
“The player’s appeal will be considered at a hearing in Glasgow tomorrow (May 10). The Appeal Committee appointed to hear the case comprises of Rod McKenzie (Chair), Bill Dunlop and Iain Goodall (all Scotland).”
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