Bundee Aki

Born in New Zealand and of Samoan descent, centre Bundee Aki qualified for Ireland on residency after arriving at Connacht in 2014. He had won Super Rugby in 2013 with the Waikato Chiefs before arriving in Ireland and making an instant impression. He won the Pro12 in 2015-16 and was named player of the season. By October 2017, Aki had completed three years and was then eligible to play for Ireland. A controversial pick, he debuted against South Africa in a 38-12 win in November 2017. A year later and Aki played in every game of the 2018 Six Nations as Ireland went on to lift the Grand Slam. Aki starred in the 2019 Rugby World Cup but was sent off against Samoa. He has scored five tries in 30 tests and chooses the Nike Phantom GT boots.