Aki playing with ‘best in world’

Bundee Aki may have been nominated for the World Player of the Year award after the World Cup and won the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year on the back of his brilliant 2023, but the Connacht midfielder believes his midfield rivals are the best in the business.

And Aki (34) says competing with Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw is the main reason he’s been able to go to another level in recent months.

While Ringrose was the starting No 13 alongside him at the World Cup, it’s been Henshaw during this Six Nations – with the former making his return to the bench today after a shoulder issue.

“Robbie has always been class, it’s just my poor boy has always been unlucky with a few injuries here and there, but when that guy gets a roll on and starts playing week in, week out, or even coming back from an injury, I genuinely believe he is the best 12 in the world when he’s playing week-on-week,” Aki (right) said.

“Even at the moment I think he’s one of the best centres in the world. I genuinely believe that. The same with Garry. I always tell those two, ‘You two are by far the best centres in the world’, and they know that I’ll always say that to them.”

Aki’s popularity has never been higher and it was noticeable during a recent open session how many young fans brought posters that bore his name.

“I’ve always felt like I’ve had unbelievable support in Ireland, you know what I mean? And I genuinely mean it with every interview that I have.

“I genuinely do appreciate the people in Ireland, I genuinely appreciate the support that I get,” he said. “And the way for me to be able to repay their support and the love that I get is through how I play.”