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.
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Aki has played only five times for the westerners this season and has lost out to Cathal Forde for the no 12 shirt.
"We want to support Bundee in terms of his Irish ambitions," said Connacht head coach Wilkins.
"We want to help support the national team as well and we have been in regular contact with Andy Farrell and the other coaches in terms of how players are going and the type of lead-in they're getting when hopefully going into camps. There's a really good line of communication there.
"You saw after Bundee’s suspension earlier in the season, he was still supported by the Irish camp in terms of selection and involvement in their preparation when he wasn’t playing, but also getting involvement at the end of that November period (against Australia).
"We certainly won’t do anything to harm his chances there but it’s important we have that open line of communication with those guys as well.
"Everyone wants to play and everyone has international ambitions, and there are different stages of that journey. We certainly wouldn’t do anything that we thought was harming a player’s development, either with us or in terms of representing the national team. It’s about trying to pick the best team and manage the group.
"Bundee has been training with us, he was excellent today, we’ve just come off a big session this morning. He had a good Monday as well. He’s in a good headspace and is training hard
"Bundee is absolutely available. At the same time he’s in a position where there’s a fair amount of competition. Cathal Forde has done a terrific job since he got his opportunity against the Sharks.
"Even in that 13 position, Tom Farrell has been a real strength there for us and Byron Ralston played really well in the week just gone.
"It’s a busy position group. You’ve got guys like Tom Daly who can’t even get a look in at the moment."
Connacht skipper Jarrad Butler has expressed confidence that Aki will stay with the province and Wilkins is equally optimistic.
"Absolutely," he said. "I’m not partial to everyone’s contract negotiations and situation, but Bundee has been an important part of this club for a long time and I’ve no doubt he’ll continue to contribute.
"He’s in a good headspace and the club values him. That’s important."
Meanwhile, scrum-half Caolin Blade has signed a new three year deal with Connacht.
"I’m very proud and happy to commit to Connacht Rugby for another three years," said the 28-year-old.
"This club means a lot to me and I want to do everything I can to help them succeed into the future.
"The prospect of training and playing in our new stadium really appeals to me so I can’t wait to see what’s in store."
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