Bundee Aki's decision to quit rugby before 'kick up the a***' forced him into U-turn
Bundee Aki once decided to end his rugby dreams before an intervention from an All Blacks great saw him return to the pitch
Bundee Aki might have lined up for the opposition when Ireland take on New Zealand - or not been playing rugby at all. The 35-year-old has worn the green jersey since 2017 despite being born in New Zealand, becoming eligible through residency rules.
He's become a crucial player for the national side over recent years, clocking up 65 caps and 95 points. With Ireland, Aki has been instrumental in securing three Six Nations titles, three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams.
Whilst approaching the latter stages of his career, with lots happening on and off the pitch, the centre continues to be a vital component of Ireland's squad. Yet before embarking on a 14-year professional journey, there was a point when Aki nearly walked away from rugby altogether due to family responsibilities.
Nearly walking away from the game
As a teenage father, Aki made the difficult choice to abandon his rugby aspirations and take up work as a bank teller to provide for his daughter. But it was former All Blacks legend Tana Umaga's intervention that persuaded him to pursue his sporting goals once more.
Tim Nanai-Williams, a friend of Aki's, revealed to RugbyPass that after returning to club rugby following his mum's encouragement, Umaga spotted his potential. "Tana Umaga was at (NPC side) Counties Manukau," Nanai-Williams explained.
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"I told him, 'Hey, just guts it out, because once you make NPC, you could be on your way... and if you don't go, I'm gonna get in trouble too! I know what you can do.'
"He just needed a little kick up the a**e. He made the Counties team that year, quit his job and went from there."
Fifth baby born in car
Following the British and Irish Lions' third Test victory against Australia in Sydney, which they won 22-12, Aki was noticeably ecstatic during an interview where he revealed his wife Kayla had given birth in a car before the first Test of the series.
Welcoming their fifth child, Kayla had been on her way to the hospital but didn't make it in time. When asked about his plans after the match, Aki responded: "I want to enjoy my break, my family time.
"I haven't seen my family for eight weeks. I have a newborn child who I haven't met yet." He continued: "Yep, a girl. She was born when we were playing in Brisbane, so I haven't met her.
"Her name is Aine, so I'm looking forward to going and meeting her." Following this revelation, he made sure to give a special shout-out to Kayla as he added: "Credit to my wife."
Future club possibilities
Aki has been with Connacht since 2014, and his contract with the club runs until 2026, marking 12 years he's spent in Galway. Amid uncertainty surrounding his future at the club due to his resurgence with the national team, talks were held with Bristol Bears.
With former Connacht boss Pat Lam now at the helm of the Premiership club, he might relish the prospect of a familiar face joining him should he choose to leave his current team. The Newcastle Red Bulls have also been mentioned as a potential new home.