Ireland opt not to appeal Aki's ban

WORLD CUP UPDATE: Ireland opted not to appeal Bundee Aki's three-match ban for a high tackle on Thursday, confirming he will miss this weekend's World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand.

"The Ireland management will not appeal the sanction handed down to Bundee," the Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement.

"We are disappointed with the outcome and believe that Bundee's time will be best served helping prepare the squad for its remaining RWC19 fixtures."

Aki was shown a red card after his shoulder crashed into the head of Samoa flyhalf Ulupano Seuteni during Ireland's 47-5 win in their final Pool A match.

Aki, who has Samoan roots, had even received support from the Samoa team which urged the judicial panel to "see some sense" and spare him a ban.

Ireland added that hooker Sean Cronin had been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after he "aggravated a pre-existing neck muscle complaint".

He has been replaced by Ulster's South African-born Rob Herring.

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