Fans hail Bundee Aki for 'breaking heartwarming scales' after ...
BUNDEE AKI made one young Ireland fan's day following the Six Nations-sealing win over Scotland.
The Connacht centre was in fine form again as Andy Farrell's team were crowned back-to-back champions at the Aviva Stadium.
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The celebrations on the pitch continued long after the full time whistle, with the Ireland players basking in their glory alongside their family members.
Among those was Aki, who invited his own family onto the pitch to parade around with the trophy.
However, in one moment of pure class on the part of the 33-year-old, he invited a young supporter onto the pitch from the stand.
After sharing a quick word with the young boy, he gifted him his boots before lifting him back into the stand.
The clip was shared to social media by ITV with the caption: "Something this young lad will never forget".
The reaction from fans was swift, with a litany praising Aki for his generosity.
Caolan said: "Daily Bundee content to break the heartwarming scales" while another hailed: "Bundee, what a man"
The Loose Head posted: "Kevin Maggs gave me his socks when he played for Bath in Thomond Park one time.
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"They were like two sleeping bags. I still don't think I've grown into them yet."
Mike praised: "How gorgeous is this." while another admitted: "I wish I was a child again.
"There is nothing I would love more than a picture with @bundeeaki12 the absolute legend.
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"Missed him at Twickenham gonna have to try hard to get wheelchair tickets for the Aviva next year.
"What a player, what a man, what a pure beautiful soul."
Conal praised: "Pure leader for the Irish supporters. Legend Bundee." while Karen declared: "Total legend & role model for all"
The talk after the game centred around the future of Peter O'Mahony.
Reports on Saturday morning suggested that the 34-year-old could announce his retirement from international rugby.
Those rumours intensified when he was left in tears during the national anthems.
Asked about his intentions, O'Mahony kept his cards close to his chest and said those conversations would be held in the days and weeks to come.
He told Virgin Media: "I don't know. I have a few chats to have with the family and stuff over the next couple of weeks.
"If it is my last one, it is not a bad one to go out on."
As speculation continues regarding whether or not O'Mahony will don the green jersey again, a host of names paid tribute to their captain.
Jack Crowley said: “He is what you see. There is no cover to him. He is a leader and to play alongside him for these last couple of years has been a privilege.
“He is someone I have huge respect for and all the group have respect for because he is himself and he leads with his actions. Hopefully we’ll have him longer.”
Head coach Andy Farrell said: “It’s whatever’s right for him.
“I’ve been a big fan of Pete for all of his career.
“We’ve a close relationship with each other.
“We’ve been talking about his career when it’s been getting towards the end for the last year, we’re realists as far as that’s concerned. No doubt we’ll chew the fat over the next coming days.”
