Bundee Aki: Biography, Salary, Wife, Age, and Rugby Career

If you’ve watched Ireland play over the past few years, you’ve probably seen Bundee Aki charging through defences with a mix of power and precision. But behind the tackles lies a fascinating story—how a kid from Auckland ended up wearing the green jersey, building a family in Galway, and earning a place among the sport’s elite. This article pieces together his background, salary, family life, and the eligibility rules that shaped his career.

Full name: Fua Leiofi Bundellu Aki · Date of birth: 7 April 1990 · Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) · Weight: 102 kg (225 lb) · Position: Centre · Current team: Connacht

Twelve key facts about Bundee Aki, one pattern: every number tells part of a journey from Auckland to the international stage.

The pattern: Aki’s personal and professional trajectories converge in Galway, not Auckland.

Why doesn’t Bundee Aki play for New Zealand?

World Rugby eligibility rules

World Rugby’s Regulation 8 allows a player to switch national teams after a three-year residency period if they have not been capped by another country at senior level. Aki, born in New Zealand and of Samoan descent (Rugby World), had represented the Chiefs in Super Rugby but never received an All Blacks call-up. That opened the door for Ireland.

Aki’s move to Ireland and Connacht

• Joined Connacht in 2014 (Business Plus)
• Quickly became a fan favourite with his powerful running and defensive work rate

Three-year residency qualification

After moving to Galway, Aki lived in Ireland for the required three years. Wikipedia notes he made his Ireland debut in 2017 against South Africa. “He qualified on residency grounds, which at the time was a perfectly legal route,” said former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt in a press conference.

Where is Bundee Aki’s wife from?

Bundee Aki’s marriage and family background

Aki is married to Kayla Aki, who is from New Zealand (Rugby World). The couple wed in December 2018, according to The City Celeb. They have four children—three daughters and one son—as detailed in an interview with The Gloss. The family resides in Galway during the rugby season.

The pattern: Aki’s personal life mirrors his professional one—rooted in New Zealand but lived fully in Ireland.

What is Bundee Aki’s salary and net worth?

Bundee Aki contract details

Estimates of Aki’s annual salary vary. bet365 News UK places it between £350,000 and £400,000 per season, while Irish Mirror suggests around €400,000 per year. A Business Plus analysis notes earlier deals were lower (€200,000–€300,000) and later extensions pushed to €450,000–€650,000. The most recent one-year extension with Connacht was signed in 2024, but exact terms remain private.

Net worth estimates

No official financial disclosure exists. BDS estimates his net worth at roughly €1–2 million, though this is speculative. Compared to Irish teammates like Johnny Sexton (estimated €600,000+), Aki’s earnings are modest but still place him among the better-paid players in the United Rugby Championship.

Comparison with other Irish rugby players

Most Irish internationals on central contracts earn between €300,000 and €600,000. Aki’s range falls within that band, reflecting his status as a first-choice centre but not a marquee name like Sexton.

Where does Bundee Aki live?

Aki’s residence in Ireland

Aki lives in Galway, the home city of Connacht Rugby. He and his family have settled there, integrating into the local community. In a profile by The Gloss, he described Galway as “a small city with a big heart” and said his children attend local schools.

The implication: His choice of home signals deep roots beyond contract requirements.

Bundee Aki’s age, height, weight, and nationality

Physical stats

Born 7 April 1990, Aki is 34 years old (as of 2025). He stands 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) and weighs 102 kg (224 lb), according to bet365 News UK. Ultimate Rugby confirms the same metrics.

Nationality and eligibility

Aki was born in New Zealand and of Samoan heritage, but he holds Irish nationality through naturalisation after meeting residency requirements. He represents Ireland internationally, though he remains eligible for Samoa through his parents (bet365 News UK).

Career timeline

The implication: every key moment moved Aki further from his birthplace and closer to his adopted green jersey.

Clarity check: What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Aki was born in New Zealand on 7 April 1990 (Wikipedia)
• He played for the Chiefs and won Super Rugby in 2012 and 2013 (Wikipedia)
• He moved to Connacht in 2014 and became Irish-qualified through residency in 2017 (Business Plus)
• He has represented Ireland since 2017 and was selected for the 2025 British and Irish Lions
• His wife is from New Zealand (Rugby World)
• He lives in Galway, Ireland (The Gloss)
• His height is 178 cm and weight 102 kg (bet365 News UK)

What’s still unclear

• Exact annual salary not publicly confirmed; estimates vary €350,000–€500,000 (bet365 News UK)
• Net worth figures are speculative (BDS)
• Reason for being dropped from certain matches not officially explained by Irish Rugby or Connacht
• Names and birth years of his children are not publicly documented
• Exact length of his current contract beyond one-year renewal unknown
• Whether he will return to New Zealand after retirement
• His total international cap count (reported as 50+ but not officially confirmed in research)

“Representing Ireland is something I never take for granted.” — Bundee Aki, speaking to Rugby World

“Bundee brings a physical edge that transforms the team.” — Andy Friend, former Connacht head coach, in Business Plus

“He came to us with a point to prove and he’s proved it every day.” — Joe Schmidt, former Ireland head coach, via Irish Mirror

For Irish rugby fans, the choice is clear: Aki’s journey from Auckland to Galway via the Chiefs and Connacht shows that talent can find a home, even when geography and eligibility rules create a winding path.

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