Rugby-Ireland's Aki handed four-match ban

LONDON (Reuters) - Ireland centre Bundee Aki has received a four-match suspension for his red card during Saturday's Six Nations win over England.

The New Zealand-born 30-year-old was sent off in the 63rd minute for a high tackle on England back row Billy Vunipola.

A Six Nations statement said Aki accepted the charge and the disciplinary committee agreed the tackle "had been reckless rather than deliberate or intentional."

It was the second time Aki had been red-carded for Ireland following his dismissal against Samoa at the 2019 World Cup, therefore he was denied the maximum 50% discount to the entry point six-week suspension for the offence.

However, because of his "clear remorse and concern for the welfare" of Vunipola the disciplinary committee reduced the sanction by two weeks.

He will miss Connacht's next four matches, including the Champions Cup clash against Leicester Tigers.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis)