Bundee Aki Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Awards

Bundee Aki is a prominent rugby union player who has significantly impacted the sport in New Zealand and internationally for Ireland.

He plays as a centre for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship and the Ireland national team.

Aki’s move to Connacht in 2014 was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to a successful stint that included winning the Pro12 title 2016.

After completing a residency period, he became eligible to play for Ireland and debuted for the national team in 2017.

Over the years, Aki has become known for his powerful running, solid defense, and his crucial role in Ireland’s midfield.

Profile

• – Full name: Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki
• – Nickname: Bundee
• – Date of birth: April 7, 1990
• – Age: 34 years old
• – Gender: Male
• – Place of birth: Auckland, New Zealand
• – Nationality: New Zealand, Irish
• – Profession: Rugby Union Player
• – Height: 178 cm
• – Parents: Hercules Aki, Sautia Aki
• – Siblings: Five siblings (second eldest of six)
• – Spouse: Kayla Aki
• – Children: Armani-Jade, Adrianna, Ailbhe Lasela Ali’itasi, Andronicus Junior Papamau
• – Relationship status: Married
• – Religion: N/A
• – Ethnicity: Samoan
• – Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Bundee Aki, now 34, was born on April 7, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up in South Auckland in Manurewa, known for its tight-knit community and a strong emphasis on family and friends.

Aki is of Samoan descent. His parents, Hercules and Sautia Aki played a significant role in his upbringing alongside his five siblings. He attended Manurewa High School, where he started playing rugby.

Despite the financial challenges faced by his family, Aki worked hard to support them, even taking a break from rugby to work as a bank teller after graduating from high school in 2011.

Personal Life

Bundee Aki married Kayla Aki in December 2018. The couple has four children: Armani-Jade, Adrianna, Ailbhe Lasela Ali’itasi, and Andronicus Junior Papamau.

Bundee often expresses his gratitude for Kayla‘s unwavering support, which has been instrumental in his career and personal life. The family resides in Galway, Ireland, where they have made a comfortable home.

Bundee’s personal life is marked by his dedication to his family. He balances his professional commitments with his role as a husband and father. There have been no public reports of divorces or extramarital affairs, indicating a stable family life.

Career

Bundee Aki’s rugby career began in New Zealand, where he played for Counties Manukau in the Mitre 10 Cup and later for the Chiefs in Super Rugby. His move to Connacht in 2014 under coach Pat Lam was a turning point, as he quickly became a key player for the team.

In the 2015-2016 season, Aki was named the Pro12 Player of the Season and helped Connacht secure the Pro12 title. After completing the residency requirement, he debuted for the Ireland national team in 2017 and played a crucial role in Ireland’s Grand Slam victory in the 2018 Six Nations Championship.

Since then, he has been a regular starter for Ireland, participating in multiple Six Nations tournaments and World Cups. In 2021, Aki was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, further cementing his status as a top-tier rugby player.

Awards

• – Pro12 Player of the Season: 2015-2016
• – Pro12 Champion: 2015-2016
• – Six Nations Grand Slam Winner: 2018
• – British and Irish Lions Selection: 2021
• – Nominations for World Player of the Year: 2023

Net Worth

Bundee Aki’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million. His wealth comes primarily from his rugby contracts with Connacht and the Ireland national team and endorsements and sponsorships associated with his sporting success.

Controversy

Bundee Aki has faced several controversies during his career, mostly related to on-field incidents and eligibility debates. One significant controversy arose when Aki qualified to play for Ireland based on residency rules.

His selection sparked debate about the fairness of such eligibility criteria, with some critics arguing that it blocked home-grown talent and questioned his connection to Ireland. Despite the criticism, Aki remained focused on proving his commitment through his performances.

Regarding on-field controversies, Aki has received two red cards in his international career, which attracted significant attention. The first was during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in a match against Samoa, which led to a suspension and ruled him out of the tournament.

The second red card occurred during the 2021 Six Nations Championship against England for a high tackle on Billy Vunipola. These incidents led to debates about his playing style, with some viewing him as a hard-hitting player prone to disciplinary issues. In contrast, others defended his aggressive approach as part of his effectiveness on the field.

Additionally, Aki has faced criticism from former players and commentators regarding his aggressive playing style. Some see his approach as detrimental, risking penalties and suspensions, while others argue it brings a necessary physicality to the team.

Throughout these controversies, Aki has maintained his professionalism and commitment to his team. He often responds to criticism by focusing on improving his game and adhering to the rules.

Despite these controversies, Aki’s contributions to Irish rugby and his consistent performance have garnered respect and admiration from teammates, coaches, and a significant portion of the rugby community. His ability to navigate through these challenges and maintain a high level of performance highlights his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Social Media

• – Instagram: @bundeeaki
• – Twitter: N/A