New Zealand-born Bundee Aki called up by Ireland

New Zealand-born centre Bundee Aki has won his first Ireland call-up for the Autumn internationals, after completing his residency qualification.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt also named an uncapped quartet of Aki, Leinster's Adam Byrne and Munster duo Chris Farrell and Darren Sweetnam for next month's Tests, with fit-again Rory Best retaining the captaincy.

Aki, who has with Samoan parents, has impressed consistently since joining Connacht in 2014, helping the Galway province lift the 2016 Guinness PRO12 title.

The 27-year-old's timely qualification will offset a clutch of midfield injuries for head coach Schmidt, who has named four uncapped players in a 38-man squad for the Test clashes with South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

"In what we anticipate will be an incredibly physical Guinness Series plenty will be demanded of the squad," said Ireland boss Schmidt.

"We have retained a core of experienced players but have also included a number of promising players that we hope will acquit themselves well."

Aki's inclusion will help Schmidt cope with the injury absence of star Leinster centre Garry Ringrose, and also aid in the continued absence of Ulster duo Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding due to off-field reasons.

Ulster's Stuart McCloskey and Jacob Stockdale step into the squad to bolster the midfield options as well.

Ireland squad for Autumn internationals:

Forwards: R Best (Ulster, capt), J Conan (Leinster), U Dillane (Connacht), T Furlong, C Healy (both Leinster), I Henderson, R Herring (both Ulster), D Kilcoyne (Munster), D Leavy, J McGrath, S O'Brien (all Leinster), T O'Donnell, P
O'Mahony (both Munster), A Porter, R Ruddock, James Ryan (all Leinster), John Ryan, CJ Stander (both Munster), D Toner, J Tracy (both Leinster), K Treadwell (Ulster).

Backs: B Aki (Connacht), A Byrne, J Carbery (both Leinster), A Conway, K Earls, C Farrell (all Munster), R Henshaw, D Kearney, R Kearney (all Leinster), I Keatley (Munster), K Marmion (Connacht), S McCloskey (Ulster), L McGrath
(Leinster), C Murray (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), J Stockdale (Ulster), D Sweetnam (Munster).