Bundee Aki start in doubt for Ireland’s Six Nations opener against France over ‘disrespect’

• Veteran dropped for alleged outburst at match officials

• Andy Farrell dealt further blow by Hugo Keenan injury

Ireland are set to kick off the Six Nations next week without two of their most influential and experienced backline players. Bundee Aki and Hugo Keenan, key members of last year’s British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, should have been involved against France next week but are now facing spells on the sidelines for contrasting reasons.

Aki has not travelled to Ireland’s training camp in Portugal following a “misconduct complaint” relating to an alleged post-match incident with match officials at the weekend after Connacht’s URC game against Leinster.