Pete Wilkins claims that Bundee Aki's omission from Connacht's team is a form-based decision but insists it won't affect the Ireland centre's Six Nations selection hopes.
The province are confident that Aki, 32, will stay around for at least a couple more years despite his current situation, and it has been reported that he has signed a deal until the summer of 2024.
Andy Farrell names his Ireland squad for the championship on Thursday morning and Aki is expected to be included, despite being left out of the URC meeting with the Sharks and last Saturday's Challenge Cup clash with Brive - and with no guarantees of facing the Newcastle Falcons this weekend.
