Aki Suspension Appeal Is Rejected

Connacht centre Bundee Aki has today had his appeal of a three-week suspension for misconduct rejected by a PRO12 appeals committee which met in Glasgow.

Bundee Aki was suspended by a disciplinary panel on April 27 for misconduct relating to his behaviour to and remarks directed toward referee Ian Davies during and immediately after the GUINNESS PRO12 round 20 fixture between Connacht and Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday, April 15.
 
Today the player’s appeal was considered at a hearing in Glasgow in front of an appeals committee comprised of Rod McKenzie (chair), Bill Dunlop and Iain Goodall (all Scotland).
 
The appeals committee was satisfied that the disciplinary committee had not been in error in the approach it employed in determining the appropriate sanction for the admitted misconduct offence.
 
The appeals committee was also satisfied that a three-week (effectively three-match) period of suspension was proportionate in the circumstances.

So, Aki will remain suspended for Connacht’s upcoming Champions Cup qualification play-off trip to either Northampton Saints or Gloucester over the weekend of May 19-21. He will be available for the play-off final the following week if Connacht make it through.