Bundee Aki is set to feature in the Six Nations against Scotland, marking his first appearance in this year’s competition.
Andy Farrell anticipates that Bundee Aki will agree to a new contract with Ireland. Farrell’s comments came after recalling the centre to the squad for Saturday’s match against Scotland.
Farrell Confident in Aki’s Future with Ireland
Bundee Aki’s centralised contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union expires at the end of the season.
Farrell addressed concerns about Aki and James Lowe, who have been linked with potential departures at the end of the season. When asked if he believes both will agree new deals, Farrell said: “Yes, I do.”
Farrell added: “Obviously that’s not up to me to comment on but I’m sure these things will get done down the line.”
He continued: “They’ve been fantastic players for us, servants for Irish rugby and will continue to be.”
Aki Returns After Suspension
Head coach Farrell has recalled Aki to the Ireland squad following a suspension that kept him out of the start of the Six Nations.
Aki was banned for Ireland’s first three Six Nations matches – against France, Italy and England – due to “verbal abuse and disrespect” towards match officials in Connacht’s United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Leinster.
He trained with Ireland before the Wales game but was not included in the matchday squad.
Aki’s Impact on the Team
Since rejoining the training group, Farrell noted that Aki “made the dressing room feel right”.
Farrell added: “When it comes to big games, there’s a twinkle in some people’s eyes where you just know who’s going to turn up.”
“He’s been there and done that in terms of big weeks and preparation and all that.”
“He’s been pretty good for us with energy off the bench and I’m sure he’ll bring more of that on Saturday.”
Ireland Eye Triple Crown Against Scotland
The winner in Dublin will lift the Triple Crown, and will then hope that England defeat France in Paris later on Saturday to claim the Six Nations title.
Farrell said that Scotland “can beat anyone on their day, as they have proven”.
For Ireland, Farrell admitted there was “certainly room to do better”.
“We’ve had one really good performance [against England] but we know that
Gregor Townsend’s side set up a seismic Super Saturday with their thrilling 50-40 win over leaders France in the penultimate round of fixtures, while Ireland’s gritty win over Wales kept them in with a shout on the final day.
Farrell said: “As far as Scotland’s concerned, the genuine respect we have every single year, we say it the whole time, they’re a fantastic squad and team and given any type of room to play the way they want to play.”
Andy Farrell is hoping to lead Ireland to a fourth Triple Crown in five years.