Bundee Aki to miss Connacht's Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais

Connacht coach Andy Friend is hopeful that his men can rise to the occasion despite Aki's absence as they bid to make it to the knockout stages of the Champions Cup for the first time in seven attempts

Connacht Rugby Squad Training, The Sportsground, Galway 23/11/2021

Bundee Aki has been ruled out of Connacht’s Heineken Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais on Sunday after failing to recover in time from a knee injury picked up in training in the Irish camp prior to the Argentinian game.

Versatile back rower Paul Boyle, who missed the loss away to Leinster at the weekend, is also out of the Sportsground clash following a shoulder and achilles injury which is going to keep him sidelined for a number of weeks.