As Ireland gears up to take on the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup quarter final this month, all eyes are on the team and in particular one of its star players, Bundee Aki.
Ireland rugby star and Galway resident Bundee Aki has quickly become a household name since moving to the country nine years ago.
The 33-year-old is originally from New Zealand, but he has also played for Malaysia.
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While he carries a heavy load in the Rugby Union team, he is also a dedicated father and husband after recently tying the knot to his wife.
He currently lives in Galway with his wife and their four children.
Bundee was born on 7 April 1990 and is originally from the Auckland suburb of Ōtāhuhu.
His birth name is Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki and his parents named him Fua Leiofi and chose Bundellu after the doctor who delivered him.
His now notorious nickname ‘Bundee’ was given to him by a rugby coach at under-age level.
He is the second eldest of six children, with one brother and four sisters.
Before becoming a full-time rugby player, Bundee got a job as a labourer before working for the Westpac bank straight out of school for a year.
How did Bundee qualify to play for Ireland?
Bundee signed to play for Connacht in 2014 and made the decision to move to Ireland ahead of the 2014/2015 season.
He then signed a contract for the team in 2016 with the end date set for 2020.
He then became eligible to play for Ireland after living in Ireland for three years.
In November 2019, Bundee signed an extension to his existing contract which ran until the summer of 2023.
Not much is known about his current contract with Connacht, however, he did sign a contract extension with IRFU until the end of 2024 to allow him to play with Ireland in the 2023 World Cup.
The Director of Rugby for Connacht, Andy Friend, has said: “I’m very close to Bundee and he is a very important part of the group.”
He added: “I definitely want him to still be around next season and I’m sure a few seasons after that.”
However, no announcement has been made about Bundee's future with Connacht, leading fans to worry he might leave Ireland next year.
Who is Bundee’s wife?
Bundee has been in a long-term relationship with fellow New Zealander Kayla.
The couple returned to their home country in November 2018 to tie the knot after a decade together.
In a touching post about their wedding, Bundee said: “After 10years together i've finally married my soulmate. Ive put you through alot but thanks for always sticking with me.”
Their honeymoon was also put on hold in order for Bundee to return to play with Connacht.
The couple have four children together - 15-year-old Armani-Jade, 12-year-old Adrianna, son Andronikas who will turn three in January and their youngest daughter Ailbhe - who was born in August 2022.
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