Aki 'extremely apologetic' after seeing red against Stormers

Connacht centre Bundee Aki has apologised to his teammates for the red card he received against the Stormers in a URC clash in Stellenbosch last weekend.

The Ireland international received his marching orders in the second half of Connacht's 38-15 loss - 10 minutes after he was brought on as a substitute.

Aki's dangerous cleanout of Seabela Senatla left the Stormers winger with a serious pectoral muscle injury. According to the Stormers, Senatla is likely to be sidelined for an extended period.

Connacht face the Bulls in Pretoria on Friday and their South African assistant coach, Dewald Senekal, said Aki has apologised to his teammates for his actions.

"The red card was basically a big old 14-point swing," Senekal told the RTE.ie website. "It was a nice action getting us behind the line but unfortunately, in the modern game, we know from the start of the season it is something that World Rugby has clamped down on a lot.

"Back in my day, I would have gotten away with a few of those but unfortunately now with the new rules and how that's been managed, three or four centimetres to the left it would have maybe been a different outcome. But, at this stage, it's a red card.

"Bundee's extremely apologetic about it. In the moment, we love him to bits for his youthful energy. He might have reacted wrongfully toward the ref at that moment but I think he was just looking for a clear response.

"He's been with us all week trying to help the boys prepare as well as we can for for the next game."

It is the third time Aki has been sent off in his career and he is expected to be banned for an extended period. It could also see him miss Ireland's upcoming Test against the Springboks in Dublin on 5 November.

Friday's Bulls-Connacht clash kicks off