Farrell expects recalled Aki to stay with Ireland

Andy Farrell says he expects Bundee Aki to sign a new Ireland deal after recalling the centre to his squad to face Scotland in Saturday's Triple Crown decider.

Aki's centralised contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union expires at the end of the season.

The Connacht centre has been integral to Ireland's recent success but will be 37 by the time of the next rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.

When asked if he believes both Aki and Leinster wing James Lowe, who has also been linked with an Ireland exit at the end of the season, will agree new deals, Farrell said: "Yes, I do.

"Obviously that's not up to me to comment on but I'm sure these things will get done down the line.

"They've been fantastic players for us, servants for Irish rugby and will continue to be."

The winner in Dublin [14:10 GMT] will lift the Triple Crown, and will then hope that England defeat France in Paris later on Saturday to claim the Six Nations title.

Head coach Farrell recalled Aki to his Ireland squad after he was suspended for the start of the Six Nations.

Aki was banned after for Ireland's first three Six Nations matches - against France, Italy and England - for "verbal abuse and disrespect" towards match officials in Connacht's United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to Leinster.

He trained with Ireland ahead of the game against Wales but was not included in the matchday squad.

Since linking back up with the training group, Farrell said Aki "made the dressing room feel right".

"When it comes to big games, there's a twinkle in some people's eyes where you just know who's going to turn up," Farrell added.

"He's been there and done that in terms of big weeks and preparation and all that.

"He's been pretty good for us with energy off the bench and I'm sure he'll bring more of that on Saturday."

Farrell said that Scotland, who are chasing a first Triple Crown since 1990 and a first title since 1999, "can beat anyone on their day, as they have proven".

Gregor Townsend's side set up a seismic Super Saturday with their thrilling 50-40 win over leaders France in the penultimate round of fixtures, while Ireland's gritty win over Wales kept them in with a shout on the final day.

"As far as Scotland's concerned, the genuine respect we have every single year, we say it the whole time, they're a fantastic squad and team and given any type of room to play the way they want to play," he said.

For Ireland, who rebounded from an opening-game defeat by the French with wins over Italy, England and Wales, Farrell admitted there was "certainly room to do better".

"We've had one really good performance [against England] but we know that Test match rugby, it doesn't all go your way and you need to find your way.

"All the best teams have track records of being able to do that. Three out of three in the last three, getting over the disappointment of the one before that, but still room for improvement and putting ourselves in a position to see if we can perform at our best when it really matters. That's the position you want to put yourself in."

No matter what happens in Dublin, the fate of the Six Nations title rests with in France, who host England in their final game.

England head coach Steve Borthwick is under pressure after three consecutive defeats, but Farrell said: "when a team's a little bit wounded anything can happen".

"Everyone knows the players they've got and the coaches they've got and what they're capable of," he added.

"But at the same time France are hurting as well and they're in the driving seat as far as a home game and they know they can win a championship.

"It's fantastic for neutrals watching the Six Nations this weekend but nothing would surprise me, exactly the same as last weekend."