'The club values him' - Connacht coach Pete Wilkins addresses Bundee Aki concerns

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said Bundee Aki remains available for selection but gave no guarantees the Ireland centre will feature against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.

Aki has not played for Connacht since the home loss to Ulster on 23 December. The 32-year-old, whose contract ends this summer, missed the New Year's Day trip to Leinster as part of the IRFU player welfare programme but was also omitted for the wins over the Cell C Sharks and Brive.

Connacht travel to Kingston Park on Saturday knowing a bonus-point win could clinch a home tie in the Challenge Cup knockouts and Wilkins said Aki must be patient as there is strong competition for the two centre positions.

"Bundee is absolutely available," said Wilkins. "He has trained really well with us this week. At the same time he’s in a position where there’s a fair amount of competition. Cathal Forde has done a terrific job since he got his opportunity against the Sharks.

"Even in that 13 position, Tom Farrell has been a real strength there for us and Byron Ralston played really well in the week just gone.

"It’s a busy position group. You’ve got guys like Tom Daly who can’t even get a look in at the moment despite being a quality player.

"Bundee is available but we’ll have to see what we do around the management of that group of centres."

When asked if the Connacht supporters could have optimism that Aki will still be at the province next season, Wilkins replied: "Absolutely. I’m not partial to everyone’s contract negotiations and situation, but Bundee has been an important part of this club for a long time and I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to contribute.

"He’s in a good headspace and the club values him. That’s important."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell names his squad