Bundee Aki's season could be over.
And although he has another year left in his contract, you'd fear that his whole bloody Connacht career could be over too if he decides to leave after this campaign. Hopefully not.
The Pro 12 Player of the Season has been hit with a three-game ban for his remonstrating with a match official during the province's defeat to Leinster two weeks ago.
As a result, he will miss some absolutely crucial Connacht games - maybe all of their remaining fixtures.
Remaining fixtures
- Scarlets (home) - April 29
- Munster (away) - May 6
- Champions Cup playoff semi-final - May 19/20/21
- Champions Cup playoff final - May 26/27/28
He will be available to play again from May 22.
So, unless Connacht win their playoff semi-final, there will be no opportunity for Aki to play again this season.
However, if they win on the weekend of May 19, the Kiwi would get to play in the playoff decider to help Connacht into the 2017/18 Champions Cup.
https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/857623044721913857
Referee Ian Davies had to warn of Aki's vocal behaviour on a couple of occasions during that loss to Leinster.
Despite captain John Muldoon trying to calm the situation, neither party seemed particularly satisfied during the game.
https://twitter.com/TheShiftyShadow/status/853342488580562944
Nor did they reach any solutions afterwards.
https://twitter.com/Sean_McMahon89/status/853356778532327427
Now, because he was talking to the referee and didn't shake his hand, Bundee Aki is out for three games. Three games.
Because of those mild enough acts, his whole season could be over. Hopefully not his Connacht career too.
