Bundee Aki has been dropped from the Ireland squad ahead of next week’s Six Nations opener away to France.
The Connacht centre is set to face a disciplinary committee following comments made to match officials after Connacht’s loss to Leinster on Saturday.
As a result, the IRFU has withdrawn the 35-year-old from the squad and he did not travel with the rest of the panel for their warm-weather training camp in Portugal.
In a statement, the IRFU said it will not “tolerate any form of disrespect” shown towards match officials.
Ulster’s uncapped centre Jude Postlethwaite has been called up as Aki’s replacement.
Speaking yesterday, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said there are still opportunities for players outside the current squad to force their way back into contention.
