Guinness PRO12: Connacht centre Bundee Aki facing up to 10 weeks out with ankle injury
Thursday 15 January 2015 17:36, UK
Connacht centre Bundee Aki has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks as he requires ankle surgery.
Live European Rugby Challenge Cup
The former Chiefs midfielder suffered the injury during Connacht’s PRO12 defeat at home to Edinburgh last weekend.
Aki will subsequently miss Connacht's remaining European Challenge Cup pool fixtures, along with a chunk of crucial PRO12 clashes.
A Connacht statement read: “Following an MRI examination and consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, it has been confirmed that Connacht centre Bundee Aki sustained a ruptured syndesmosis towards the end of the game with Edinburgh last week.
“The 24-year-old will undergo surgery to the ankle next week and is likely to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.”
Aki has made a huge impact since making his Connacht debut against the Ospreys in late October. The province sit sixth in the PRO12 table, which would secure qualification for next year’s Champions Cup.
Connacht could be without Aki until the end of March, meaning he would miss league games against Welsh trio Scarlets, Dragons and Cardiff Blues, and Italian strugglers Treviso.
Pat Lam’s side host Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup on Sunday, where victory will keep them on course for a place in the knockout stages.
Watch Connacht v Exeter Chiefs live on Sky Sports 2 on Sunday from 3pm
