Bundee Aki

Of Samoan descent,{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/players/bundee-aki-ten-things-should-know-125419 | work=Rugby World | title=Who is Bundee Aki: Ten things you should know about the Ireland centre | date=16 September 2023 | access-date=16 September 2023}} Aki was born in the Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu,{{cite web | url=http://www.steelers.co.nz/steelers/index.php?contentid=65&profileid=88 | work=Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union | title=Player Profiles: Bundee Aki | access-date=23 August 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822154642/http://www.steelers.co.nz/steelers/index.php?contentid=65&profileid=88 | archive-date=22 August 2016 | url-status=dead }} to Hercules and Sautia Aki.{{cite web |url=http://www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-family-first-3862584-Feb2018/ |work=The42 |title=I get a call every Monday from the old man and mum, trying to tweak my game |date=22 February 2018 |access-date=27 February 2018}} He was named Fua Leiofi, but was called Bundellu after the doctor who delivered him. The nickname "Bundee" was given to him by a rugby coach at under-age level.{{cite web |url=http://rugbylad.com/bundee-aki-reveals-his-real-name-why-everyone-calls-him-bundee/ |work=RugbyLAD |title=Bundee Aki Reveals His Real Name & Why Everyone Calls Him Bundee |date=22 September 2017 |access-date=27 February 2018}} Bundee is the second eldest of six children, with one brother and four sisters.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/bundee-aki-prepared-for-his-biggest-challenge-yet-1.3400369 |newspaper=The Irish Times |title=Bundee Aki prepared for his biggest challenge yet |date=22 February 2018 |access-date=27 February 2018}}

Aki grew up in Manurewa, a suburb in South Auckland, and attended Manurewa High School,{{Cite web|title=Manurewa Chiefs: Tim Nanai Williams and Bundee Aki| date=5 March 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fVnoes4rPQ|via=YouTube}} where he played for the school's First XV rugby team. He took a year out from a professional rugby career in 2011, when he worked as a bank teller.{{cite web| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10860233 | work=The New Zealand Herald | title=Rugby: Bundee looks to fit the bill | date=20 January 2013 | access-date=23 August 2016}}

Aki played for the Borneo Eagles based in Sabah, East Malaysia Year.{{Cite web|title=From Borneo Eagle to Grand Slam contender|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/borneo-eagle-grand-slam-contender/|access-date=2020-10-31|website=rugbypass.com|date=16 March 2018 |language=en}}

Aki began playing for Counties Manukau in the 2011 season. He made nine appearances for the side with five of these coming as starts, scoring three tries as they finished fourth in the Championship Division of the 2011 ITM Cup.{{cite web| url=http://www.itsrugby.co.uk/player_24091.html | work=Itsrugby | title=Player statistics – club stats: Bundee Aki | access-date=23 August 2016}} In the 2012 ITM Cup, he played 11 of the team's 12 games, starting on each occasion and scoring six tries. Counties Manukau finished top of the Championship Division and won their play-off games against Southland and Otago, which earned the side promotion to the following year's Premiership Division.{{cite web| url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/119227/counties-manukau-win-promotion-to-premiership | work=Radio New Zealand | title=Counties-Manukau win promotion to premiership | date=26 October 2012 | access-date=23 August 2016}}

With Counties promoted to the Premiership Division, he played in all ten of their regular season games in the 2013 ITM Cup, starting eight of these, as the team qualified for the play-offs on their return to the top flight. He also started in the team's play-off semi-final, a 41–10 defeat to Wellington.{{cite web| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/match.cfm?season=2014&competition=208&match=814171 | work=The New Zealand Herald | title=Wellington 41 – 10 Counties Manukau | date=18 October 2013 | access-date=23 August 2016}} Aki scored one try during the course of the season, with the score coming against Tasman in a 20–40 defeat.{{cite web| url=http://www.ultimaterugby.com/match/counties-manukau-vs-tasman-makos-at-ecolight-stadium-30th-aug-2013/1443/commentary | work=Ultimate Rugby | title=Counties Manukau 20 – 40 Tasman | date=30 August 2013 | access-date=23 August 2016}}

2014 was Aki's final season with Counties, as it had been announced earlier in the year that he would be leaving New Zealand to join Irish side Connacht. He started all ten games as Counties finished fifth, two points outside the playoff places, in the 2014 ITM Cup, but did not score any points. Aki's final appearance for Counties Manukau came in the team's 41–18 victory over Auckland on 8 October 2014.{{cite web| url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/match.cfm?season=2015&competition=208&match=815091 | work=The New Zealand Herald | title=Counties Manukau 41 – 18 Auckland | date=8 October 2014 | access-date=23 August 2016}}

In September 2012, it was announced that Aki had signed for reigning Super Rugby champions the Chiefs, having been part of the side's development set up previously.{{cite web|title=Super Rugby champions the Chiefs sign Counties Manukau centre Bundee Aki|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12559/8113427/super-rugby-champions-the-chiefs-sign-counties-manukau-centre-bundee-aki|website=Sky Sports Rugby|access-date=6 June 2016}} Aki came into the team for the 2013 Super Rugby season. He played in 13 of the side's 18 regular season games, starting 12 of these and scoring five tries, as Chiefs finished top of the table. Aki also featured for the team in the play-offs coming off the bench after 48 minutes against Crusaders in the semi-final, and after 46 minutes in the final against the Brumbies as Chiefs won their second title in a row.{{cite web| url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=114821&homeid=15151&awayid=15241&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true | work=SA Rugby | title=MATCH BREAKDOWN: Chiefs vs Crusaders | date=27 July 2013 | access-date=23 August 2016}}{{cite web| url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=114841&homeid=15151&awayid=15121&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true | work=SA Rugby | title=MATCH BREAKDOWN: Chiefs vs Brumbies | date=3 August 2013 | access-date=23 August 2016}}

Aki played ten times for Chiefs in the regular season of the 2014 season, starting seven of these matches and scoring three tries. Chiefs finished sixth in the final standings of the league season, the final qualifying spot for the competition's play-off rounds. Aki started in the Chiefs' quarter-final game against the Brumbies, a replay of the previous year's final. Aki scored his fourth try of the season, but finished on the losing side as the Brumbies won the game by 32–30.{{cite web| url=http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/match-centre/?season=2014&competition=205&match=514201 | work=SANZAR | title=BRUMBIES END CHIEFS' TITLE RUN | date=19 July 2014 | access-date=23 August 2016}} This was Aki's final game for the Chiefs, as it had been announced earlier in the year that he would be moving to Irish side, Connacht.

File:EPCR Challenge Cup 22-23- Benetton Rugby vs Connacht Rugby-14 (52793583675).jpg]]

Aki signed for Connacht in April 2014 and moved to Ireland ahead of the 2014–15 season. This move made him the second Chiefs player in as many years to join Connacht, following the transfer of captain Craig Clarke the previous season.{{cite web| url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-announce-signing-of-super-xv-winner-bundee-aki-30180191.html | work=Irish Independent | title=Connacht announce signing of Super XV winner Bundee Aki | access-date=12 April 2014 | date=12 April 2014}}{{cite press release | url=http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-centre-bundee-aki/#ConnachtNews | title=Connacht sign centre Bundee Aki | publisher=Connacht Rugby | date=12 April 2014 | access-date=12 April 2014 | archive-date=13 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143120/http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-centre-bundee-aki/#ConnachtNews | url-status=dead }}

He quickly became a key part of Connacht's setup, starting whenever fit and excelling on the pitch.{{Cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Murray|title=IRFU confirm new Bundee Aki deal to keep him with Connacht until 2023|url=https://www.the42.ie/irfu-bundee-aki-connacht-contract-4911640-Nov2019/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The42|date=29 November 2019 |language=en}}

For his performances with Connacht during the 2015–16 Pro12 season, which saw the club win the Pro12 league for the first time. Aki was awarded the Player of the Year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/10275065/connachts-bundee-aki-named-pro12-players-player-of-the-year|title=Connacht's Bundee Aki named PRO12 Players' Player of the Year|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2016|accessdate=29 March 2025}} On 25 October 2016, Aki signed a new contract to remain at Connacht until 2020. He became eligible to play for Ireland after completing three years of residence in the country in October 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/confirmed-bundee-aki-agrees-bumper-longterm-deal-with-connacht-while-ultan-dillane-signs-new-two-year-contract-35158794.html|title=Confirmed: Bundee Aki agrees bumper long-term deal with Connacht while Ultan Dillane signs new two year contract|date=26 October 2016|work=Irish Independent|access-date=26 October 2016}}

In November 2019, he signed a fresh three-year extension to his central contract, to keep him with Connacht until the summer of 2023 at least, the first Connacht player to sign a central deal with the union. After signing, he declared: "I am truly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent both Connacht and Irish and am delighted to extend my IRFU contract".{{Cite web|date=2019-11-30|title=Bundee Aki: 'I never' questioned allegiance|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/aki-deal-never-in-doubt/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=RugbyPass|language=en}} His decision to extend his contract came after much media speculation about what his future may hold after a disappointing 2019 Rugby World Cup.{{Cite news|title=Crunch time nears for in-demand Bundee Aki as he weighs up money or Ireland|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/crunch-time-nears-for-in-demand-bundee-aki-as-he-weighs-up-money-or-ireland-38733149.html|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0307-1235}}

In October 2023, following Ireland's exit from the Rugby World Cup and Aki's nomination for World Player Of The Year, the IRFU announced Aki had extended his central contract, keeping him at Connacht to 2025.{{Cite web|date=2023-10-27|title=Bundee Aki signs contract extension with IRFU to keep him at Connacht until 2025|url=https://www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-contract-extension-6208395-Oct2023|website=the42|access-date=2023-10-30}}

On 17 December 2024, after much speculation over his future, Aki has signed a one-year contract extension with Connacht and the IRFU until the end of the 2025–26 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/ireland-centre-bundee-aki-ends-speculation-with-decision-over-future/ |publisher=Rugby Pass |title=Ireland centre Bundee Aki ends speculation with decision over future |date=17 December 2024|access-date=17 December 2024}}

Aki was qualified to play for New Zealand, where he was born and raised, and Samoa, the country of origin of his parents. However, after completing a three-year residency period, he became eligible to represent Ireland on the international stage.

On 26 October 2017, Aki was named in the extended Ireland squad for the Autumn internationals.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/ireland-november-internationals-squad-talking-points-3665815-Oct2017/ |title=Schmidt's statement, Bundee's inclusion and more Ireland squad talking points|date=26 October 2017|work=The 42|access-date=27 October 2017}} His inclusion came at a time when a growing number of players were qualifying to play for a foreign nation based on the three-year residency rule, which sparked a huge debate about eligibility rules in rugby union.{{Cite web|last=Boyd|first=Rory|date=2016-10-05|title=Project Players Are Undermining Rugby|url=https://lastwordonrugby.com/2016/10/05/project-players-underminingl-rugby/|access-date=2020-07-25|website=Last Word on Rugby|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2016-10-08|title=The residency rule is being exploited as project players flood European game|url=https://www.rugbyworld.com/news/the-residency-rule-is-being-exploited-as-project-players-flood-european-game-70957|access-date=2020-07-25|website=Rugby World|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Rugby's project player system criticised by active project player....|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/rugbys-project-player-system-criticised-active-project-player-109228|access-date=2020-07-25|website=SportsJOE.ie|date=12 January 2017 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=The 10 best 'project players' under rugby's controversial three-year residency rule|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/the-10-best-project-players-under-rugbys-controversial-three-year-residency-rule-35701067.html|access-date=2020-07-25|website=independent|date=10 May 2017 |language=en}}

Parts of the media stated that he had no real connection with Ireland, was getting in the way of Irish talent going through the ranks, and questioned loyalty issues should Aki decide to move abroad after his contract was over thus ending his international career.{{Cite web|last=Ball|first=Off The|title="Is this not a slap in the face for Irish Rugby?" | Bundee Aki's next move|url=https://www.otbsports.com/rugby/bundee-aki-loyalty-ireland-922881|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Off The Ball}} His selection was criticised by some former internationals, including Neil Francis{{Cite web|title=Neil Francis: Bundee Aki's selection in Joe Schmidt's squad reflects integrity deficit in international game|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/neil-francis-bundee-akis-selection-in-joe-schmidts-squad-reflects-integrity-deficit-in-international-game-36262971.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The independent|date=26 October 2017 |language=en}} and Luke Fitzgerald, who was generally critical of the residency rule,{{Cite news|title=Bundee Aki: Critics can say what they want, I'm proud to represent Ireland|language=en-GB|work=belfasttelegraph|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/world-cup/bundee-aki-critics-can-say-what-they-want-im-proud-to-represent-ireland-38500248.html|access-date=2020-07-18|issn=0307-1235}}{{Cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Murray|title='People have their own opinions' – Aki proud to represent Ireland at the World Cup|url=https://www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-ireland-world-cup-pride-4810511-Sep2019/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The42|date=16 September 2019 |language=en}} but supported by others including Alan Quinlan Simon Easterby,{{Cite news|last=House|first=Johnny Watterson at Carton|title=Conor Murray says teammate Bundee Aki doesn't deserve abuse|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/conor-murray-says-teammate-bundee-aki-doesn-t-deserve-abuse-1.3283352|access-date=2020-07-18|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}} and Chris Farrell. Other rugby figures, including Conor Murray, and former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan, whilst critical of the residency rule, felt it was unfair individual players such as Aki to be singled out for criticism.{{Cite web|last=Casey|first=Gavan|title='I couldn't get my head around it: 'Why are we having this debate now? What did Aki do differently?''|url=https://www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-3694342-Nov2017/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=The42|date=13 November 2017 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Conor Murray's comments on Bundee Aki should put an end to the bullshit|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/conor-murray-bundee-aki-141308|access-date=2020-07-18|website=SportsJOE.ie|date=7 November 2017 |language=en}} Aki acknowledged the criticism, admitting that a big part of his motivation to move to Ireland was to play international rugby, and noted that he hoped that he could do the country proud with his on-field performance.{{Cite web|date=2019-09-15|title=Bundee Aki shrugs off Ireland eligibility criticism|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/bundee-aki-shrugs-off-ireland-eligibility-criticism/|access-date=2020-07-18|website=RugbyPass|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2017-09-23|title=Bundee Aki says Ireland rugby camp call-up 'an eye opener'|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/97184019/bundee-aki-says-ireland-rugby-camp-callup-an-eye-opener|access-date=2020-07-18|website=Stuff|language=en}}

File:Guinness Sei Nazioni 2023- Italia vs Irlanda-212 (cropped).jpg

Aki made his debut for Ireland in the 38–3 win against {{nrut|South Africa}} at the Aviva Stadium on 11 November 2017, playing the full 80 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/41956300 |title=Ireland 38–3 South Africa|date=11 November 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2017}} Two weeks later he played against {{nrut|Argentina}}, again featuring for the entire match in a 28–19 win.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291263&league=289234 |work=ESPN Scrum |title=Ireland battle to victory over Argentina and seal third autumn Test win |date=25 November 2017 |access-date=29 August 2020}}

In the 2018 Six Nations, Aki was the only centre to feature in every game for Ireland as they won the Grand Slam. Injuries to centre partners Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw and Chris Farrell meant that Aki started every match and was only replaced in the final game against {{nrut|England}} due to injury.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/comment-bundee-aki-the-glue-that-kept-irelands-centre-together-36723109.html |work=Irish Independent |title=Bundee Aki the glue that kept Ireland's centre together |date=20 March 2018 |access-date=29 August 2020}} He was also part of the team's end-of season tour of Australia, which saw Ireland win a test series against {{nrut|Australia}} for the first time since 1979.{{cite news |url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/42197.php |title=Schmidt Praises Character of Players As Ireland Claim Historic Series Win |date=23 June 2018 |work=Irish Rugby |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624153308/http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/42197.php |archive-date=24 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}

Aki continued to be a regular starter for Ireland in the 2018–19 season. On 17 November 2018, he started against his native {{nrut|New Zealand}} in a 16–9 win. This was Ireland's first victory over the All Blacks on home soil.{{cite web |url=https://www.the42.ie/ireland-new-zealand-2018-match-report-4345308-Nov2018/ |work=The42 |title=Stunning Stockdale score sees Schmidt's Ireland down the All Blacks again |date=17 November 2018 |access-date=29 August 2020}} Aki also featured in all five of Ireland's games in the 2019 Six Nations, as they finished third in a disappointing defence of their Grand Slam title.{{cite web |url=https://www.the42.ie/ireland-wales-six-nations-report-2019-4546426-Mar2019/ |work=The42 |title=Wales do the Slam as Schmidt's shambolic Ireland end Six Nations on dire note |date=16 March 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}}

In September 2019, Aki was named in the Irish squad for the upcoming World Cup in Japan.{{cite web |url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2019/09/02/irelands-rugby-world-cup-squad-named/ |work=Irish Rugby |title=Ireland's Rugby World Cup Squad Is Announced |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}} He started Ireland's opening game against {{nrut|Scotland}}, but was removed after only 20 minutes in the 27–3 win due to a head injury. This injury caused him to miss the next game against hosts Japan,{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/rwc-2019-japan/116004807/rugby-world-cup-2019-bundee-aki-in-doubt-for-ireland-after-head-knock |publisher=Stuff |title=Rugby World Cup: Bundee Aki in doubt for Ireland's next match after head knock |date=23 September 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}} which ended in a shock 19–12 defeat to leave Ireland in danger of elimination.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/woeful-ireland-suffer-shock-world-cup-defeat-against-japan-as-pool-a-is-thrown-wide-open-38542457.html |work=Irish Independent |title=Woeful Ireland suffer shock World Cup defeat against Japan as Pool A is thrown wide open |date=28 September 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}} Aki returned to the starting lineup for the following game against {{nrut|Russia}},{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby-world-cup-2019/2019/1003/1080841-ireland-35-0-russia/ |work=RTÉ Sport |title=Flat Ireland fail to ignite in bonus-point win over Russia |date=4 October 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}} and also started the final pool match against over {{nrut|Samoa}} but was sent off in the 29th minute of the 47–5 win.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/12/rugby-world-cup-2019-ireland-samoa-match-report |title = Ireland thrash Samoa to ease into last eight despite Bundee Aki red card|date=12 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 October 2019}} The red card resulted in a three-game suspension, ruling Aki out of the remainder of the tournament.{{cite web |url=https://www.newstalk.com/sport/bundee-aki-suspended-three-games-samoa-red-card-914476 |work=Newstalk |title=Bundee Aki suspended for three games after Samoa red card |date=14 October 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}} Ireland were eliminated in the next round, as New Zealand ran out 46–14 victors in the quarter-finals.{{cite web |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby-world-cup-2019/2019/1019/1084399-new-zealand-46-14-ireland/ |work=RTÉ Sport |title=New Zealand crush abysmal Ireland as Joe Schmidt era ends in World Cup massacre |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=29 August 2020}}

Aki was banned for four games after receiving a red card for a high tackle on Billy Vunipola in Ireland's 32–18 win against England

in the 2021 Six Nations Championship on 20 March.{{cite web|url= https://www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-ban-four-games-5389638-Mar2021/|title=Bundee Aki gets four-game ban after red card against England|date=24 March 2021|work=The 42|access-date= 24 March 2021}}

He was called up to be part of the Irish squad for the 2023 Six Nations, which Ireland went on to win their fourth Grand Slam. In August 2023, he was selected to be in Ireland's World Cup squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/rugby-union/66620856|title=Ireland name squad for World Cup - as it happened|publisher=BBC|date=27 August 2023|access-date=16 September 2023}} Throughout the tournament he equalled the record for the most tries scored by an individual player for Ireland in a single world cup campaign, equalling the record set by Keith Earls with a total of five which he achieved at the 2011 tournament.{{cite web |title=Rugby Pass Top100 Players |url=https://www.rugbypass.com/top-100-mens-rugby-players/ |publisher=RugbyPass |access-date=15 December 2024}} He was one of four players nominated for Player of the Tournament following the completion of the World Cup. In January 2024, Aki was named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men's Players of The Year.{{cite web |title=Bundee Aki and Nichola Fryday named Rugby Writers' Players of the Year |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/01/10/bundee-aki-and-nichola-fryday-named-rugby-writers-players-of-the-year/ |website=Irish Times |access-date=11 January 2024}}

The Ireland squad for the 2024 Six Nations were announced in January, with Bundee being included.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/13050299/six-nations-peter-omahony-to-captain-ireland-for-2024-tournament-as-andy-farrell-names-squad|title=Six Nations: Peter O'Mahony to captain Ireland for 2024 tournament as Andy Farrell names squad|publisher=Sky Sports}} He received significant praise from the Evening Standard for his performances against Wales in a 31–7 victory for Ireland on 24 February.{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/ireland-vs-wales-six-nations-2025-match-result-b1141310.html|title= Ireland 31-7 Wales: Bundee Aki shines in battling Six Nations victory|date= 24 February 2024|publisher=Evening Standard}} In November 2024, having lost his place in the side for a fixture against Argentina to Robbie Henshaw, he returned to the side for Ireland's 2024 Autumn Nation Series fixture against Fiji. He went on to score a try and win player-of-the-match as Ireland won 52–17.{{cite web |title=Ireland pick up big win against Fiji - as it happened |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/live/c207gr67710t?page=2#Line-ups |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=24 November 2024}}

In February 2025, he scored a try in the opening round of the 2025 Six Nations in a 27–22 win against England.{{cite web |last1=Calvert |first1=Lee |title=Ireland 27-22 England: Six Nations 2025 – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2025/feb/01/ireland-v-england-six-nations-2025-live-score-updates-rugby-union |work=The Guardian |date=February 2025 |access-date=2 February 2025}}

On 6 May 2021, Aki was named in the squad for the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/57007546|title=British and Irish Lions 2021: Sam Simmonds in 37-man squad but Billy Vunipola misses out|date=6 May 2021|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date= 6 May 2021}}

He made his test debut on 7 August 2021 in the final test. South Africa won the final test 19–16 and the series by two games to one.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58130765|title=South Africa 19–16 British and Irish Lions: Morne Steyn's late penalty wins series|date=7 August 2021|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date= 9 August 2021}}

Aki grew up and went to school with former Chiefs teammate Tim Nanai-Williams.

Aki has four children and frequently highlights the importance his family has to him.{{Cite web|title=Meet Connacht Rugby – Bundee Aki|url=https://www.redbull.com/ie-en/connacht-rugby-bundee-aki-facts-interview|access-date=2020-07-18|website=redbull.com|date=20 February 2020 }} Aki lives in Oranmore, a suburb of Galway city.{{cite web |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/bundee-aki-i-don-t-know-if-i-d-get-the-same-treatment-somewhere-else-1.4776812 |title=Bundee Aki: 'I don't know if I'd get the same treatment somewhere else' |publisher=Irish Times |date=15 January 2022 |access-date=22 December 2023}}

On 16 September 2024, Aki was granted Irish citizenship.{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Carla |date=16 September 2024|access-date=16 September 2024|title=Aki among 3,600 new Irish citizens after ceremonies|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0916/1470291-citizenship-ceremonies/|language=en|publisher=RTÉ}}

{{as of|2025|2|1|lc=y}}{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/sport/rugby/player/145340.html|title=Bundee Aki|website=ESPN|access-date=7 February 2022|archive-date=7 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207182224/http://en.espn.co.uk/sport/rugby/player/145340.html|url-status=dead}}

; Chiefs

• 1× Super Rugby: 2013

; Connacht

• 1× Pro12: 2016
• 1× Pro12 Player of the Season: 2016
• 1× Pro12 Dream Team: 2016

; Ireland

• 3× Six Nations Championship: 2018,{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/six-nations/all-30-of-irelands-grand-slam-contributors-rated-but-one-man-comes-out-on-top-36723107.html|title=All 30 of Ireland's Grand Slam contributors rated – but one man comes out on top|date=20 March 2018|work=Irish Independent|access-date=22 March 2018}} 2023,{{cite web |title=Ireland finish over the top of England to claim glorious Grand Slam |url=https://www.the42.ie/ireland-england-grand-slam-2-6022788-Mar2023/ |website=the42 |date=18 March 2023 |access-date=18 March 2023}} 2024
• 2× Grand Slam: 2018, 2023
• 4× Triple Crown: 2018, 2022, 2023, 2025

; Individual

• 1× World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Nominee: 2023
• 1x Ireland Men's XVs players’ player of the year: 2024{{cite web |title=Bundee Aki named Ireland men's players' player of the year |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/05/22/bundee-aki-named-ireland-mens-players-player-of-the-year/ |website=Irish Times |access-date=22 May 2024}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Sport links}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20171112023402/http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/squads_ireland.php?player=101718&includeref=dynamic Ireland Profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130217084329/http://www.chiefs.co.nz/the-team/team-gallery/bundee-aki.html Chiefs Profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130208012745/http://steelers.co.nz/steelers/index.php?contentid=65&profileid=88 Counties Manukau Profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160822153548/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/player_archive.php?player=19132&includeref=dynamic EPCR Profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160728164340/http://www.pro12rugby.com/statzone/players.php?includeref=dynamic&player=101718 Pro12 Profile]
• [http://www.ultimaterugby.com/bundee-aki Ultimate Rugby Profile]

{{Connacht Rugby squad}}

{{Ireland Squad 2019 Rugby World Cup}}

{{British and Irish Lions 2021}}

{{Ireland 2023 Rugby World Cup squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aki, Bundee}}

Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Samoan descent

Category:People educated at Manurewa High School

Category:Rugby union players from Auckland

Category:Chiefs (Super Rugby) players

Category:Counties Manukau rugby union players

Category:Connacht Rugby players

Category:New Zealand expatriate rugby union players in Ireland

Category:New Zealand rugby union players

Category:Irish people of Samoan descent

Category:Ireland international rugby union players

Category:Rugby union centres

Category:British & Irish Lions rugby union players from New Zealand

Category:British & Irish Lions rugby union players from Ireland

Category:New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Malaysia

Category:Naturalised citizens of Ireland

Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players

Category:2023 Rugby World Cup players

Category:Irish people of New Zealand descent

Category:New Zealand emigrants to Ireland

Category:Naturalised rugby union players