It follows news earlier today that Bundee Aki has been axed from the travelling party for discplinary reasons. The IRFU said: "Hugo Keenan will return to Ireland tomorrow after sustaining a fractured thumb in training on Tuesday afternoon in Portugal." Aki is set to appear in front of an Independent Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday after the URC alleged Aki engaged with match officials on “several occasions” following Connacht’s defeat by Leinster at Dexcom Stadium last Saturday. Hugo Keenan arrives for the Ireland team assembly day at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin ahead of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship. “The IRFU can confirm that Bundee Aki has not travelled with the Men’s senior squad to Portugal for disciplinary reasons,” its statement said.

Source: Irish Examiner January 28, 2026 14:08 UTC