[Source: stuff.co.nz]

Ireland have summoned legal counsel for the judiciary hearing of midfielder Bundee Aki, who faces being suspended from a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against the All Blacks.

The former Chiefs and Counties Manukau player will front a hearing in Tokyo following his red card for a high tackle in Ireland’s win over Samoa in their final pool match.

Aki was sent off for a shoulder to the head of Samoa first five-eighth Ulupano Seuteni 29 minutes into Ireland’s 47-5 victory.

The Irish Times reports that within moments of Aki’s send-off, the Ireland team director of operations got on the phone and rang a solicitor and partner in law firm to represent Aki.

Three-week suspensions have been the norm from the judiciary for high tackles during this tournament, but there was also the example of England’s Piers Francis escaping sanction following his tackle in the match against USA.

The hearing will be held today in Tokyo.

[Source: stuff.co.nz]