**Bundee Aki: The Remarkable Rise of Ireland’s Star Centre After Career Almost Cut Short**
Irish rugby international Bundee Aki is preparing to don the British and Irish Lions jersey once again, joining the squad to face Australia in a high-profile clash this weekend. However, few may realise how close the powerful centre came to leaving the sport behind, before the timely intervention of a New Zealand rugby legend dramatically altered his career path.
Now aged 35 and firmly established as one of the most impactful centres of the modern rugby era, Aki’s journey to the top was anything but straightforward. A player renowned for his physical presence, dynamic ball-carrying, and tireless commitment, Aki’s Test-level mettle has been evident on stages from Six Nations clashes to the world’s grandest tournaments. His work for Connacht and Ireland has seen him become something of a cult figure, thanks to an infectious style and a steely determination honed through years of adversity.
A glimpse into his early life reveals that rugby greatness was not always the inevitable destination. As a young father in his teenage years, Aki found himself stepping away from the sport he loved, choosing financial stability for his family over the uncertain path of a rugby career. He took up a position as a bank teller, but rugby was never far from his heart. According to close friend Tim Nanai-Williams, Aki’s routine was a mix of daily graft and socialising, yet that inner longing to play persisted, gently encouraged by his mother and Nanai-Williams.
The turning point came amidst New Zealand’s bustling club rugby landscape, where Aki’s return to local matches did not go unnoticed. Enter Tana Umaga, the revered former All Blacks captain, who at the time was coaching at Counties Manukau in the National Provincial Championship. Umaga saw the potential burning within Aki and reached out to Nanai-Williams for his opinion. Despite the challenges of pre-dawn training and unpaid commitments, Aki was persuaded to stick with it. His friend’s rallying words and Umaga’s belief provided the spark Aki needed.
In his own words, Aki has reflected on the significant role Umaga played during this crucial period. “He’s one of the best helpers I could get in my position,” Aki noted, emphasising the invaluable advice given to him by the All Blacks legend. Umaga’s message was clear: embrace opportunity, conquer self-doubt, and recognise that mistakes are part of growth.
From that point, Aki’s rugby career gained momentum. His performances earned him a spot with New Zealand’s Chiefs in Super Rugby, where his talents saw him help secure a second consecutive championship title in 2013, even clocking up five tries in that campaign. This period exposed him to the professional game at its toughest—experiences that would serve him well as his journey continued.
A new chapter beckoned when Connacht Rugby in Ireland secured Aki’s signature. Traditionally seen as the underdogs within Irish provincial rugby, Connacht greatly benefitted from Aki’s robust playing style and leadership. His impact was immediate and profound. In 2016, Aki was crowned Players’ Player of the Season and played a pivotal role in Connacht’s astonishing run to their maiden Pro12 title.
After completing the required three-year residency, Aki became eligible for Ireland selection and was promptly called into the national squad for the autumn internationals in 2017. His debut was emphatic, playing a key part in Ireland’s record 38-3 win over South Africa—a victory that remains one of the team’s most impressive.
Since then, Aki has gone on to win over 65 caps for Ireland, contributing significantly to three Six Nations title wins. His combative style and energy on both sides of the ball have made him indispensable in the Irish midfield. Recognition at the highest level followed, with selection for the British and Irish Lions in 2021, where he featured in six matches, four as a starter, during the hard-fought series against South Africa.
Though there have been setbacks—notably Ireland’s painful quarter-final exits in the Rugby World Cup—Aki’s star has continued to rise. His leadership and performances, both for club and country, offer testament to the improbable journey he has taken. Once on the brink of abandoning the sport for good, he now stands as a central figure in Irish rugby folklore, an inspiration to young players everywhere who are urged to persist, whatever the odds.
As he prepares for another Lions Test, Bundee Aki’s story is a vivid reminder of rugby’s capacity to transform lives—with the right mix of personal determination, family support, and a timely word from a sporting great.