BUNDEE: I’D QUIT THE JOB

PLAYING rugby isn’t like going to work for Bundee Aki and, until that changes, he will go on.

“The only time I think I’ll be hanging up the boots is when I feel like I can’t give any more or I feel like my rugby is a job and I’m not loving it,” said the Connacht star.

In fact Aki (above), who turns 34 early next month, has improved with age.

And if, as expected, Ireland finish on top of the table tonight then he will have won his third Six Nations title since 2018.

“I’ve just grown in confidence and the confidence comes from the guys around me,” he said. “I know it’s a cliche but it really is the guys around me making me look good. Individual accolades and individual recognition is good but it’s a team sport.”

And he singles out Robbie Henshaw (below), his centre partner in this Six Nations, for huge praise.

“He’s been unbelievable,” said Aki. “Robbie’s always been class. He’s always been unlucky with a few injuries but I genuinely believe he’s the best No.12 in the world the way he has been playing.”

Aki has also been inspired by the growing young fanbase who see him as their hero.

“I’ve had unbelievable support in Ireland,” he said. “I genuinely do appreciate the support. The way for me to repay the rapport and the love is through how I play.

“I can’t go say, ‘Thank you’ to everyone individually because there’s a shedload of them out there.

“But through the way I play with the help of the lads, it’s my way of showing I really do care about this country, I really do care about the people here and the jersey. That means a lot to me.”