Connacht and Ireland centre Bundee Aki is ready to keep on going for as long as he can.
The Auckland-born Aki will turn 36 next month, but he remains a mighty physical presence out on the pitch.
Aki confirmed that with his contribution to the Triple Crown-clinching victory over Scotland in the final round of the Six Nations and then again with a Vodacom URC Man of the Match display in Connacht’s statement victory away to Ulster last weekend.
He made 14 carries, put in 11 tackles and claimed two breakdown steals in the 26-19 bonus-point triumph in Belfast.
It was the perfect way for him to celebrate having just signed a one-year contract extension with the IRFU.
“I’m absolutely delighted to stay for another year and I’m looking forward to it,” he said after the game. “I’ll put my heart out for this club, and I’ll put my heart out for this country as much as I can and for as long as I can.”
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Reflecting on the Ulster showdown, he said: “We knew it was going to be tough. It’s a hard place to come and play. It’s a hostile area.
“Ulster are a great team; they are well coached. We knew we had to dig deep and big credit to the boys for doing that.
“It’s an inter-pro and I think the biggest part of an inter-pro is physicality. It goes a long way. Physicality was one of the big parts of our game.
“Inter-pros are great to play in. I love inter-pros. You’ve got guys playing up against each other and there’s a lot to prove.”
That’s now four URC wins on the trot for playoff-chasing Connacht who are up to ninth in the table and level on points with the eighth-placed Vodacom Bulls as they look ahead to Saturday’s meeting with the Ospreys in Galway.
“The boys who have been playing for the last couple of weeks have dug in well and put in a good platform for the boys that have been away in Ireland camp to come back and perform well,” said Aki.
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Connacht coach Stuart Lancaster was full of praise for his veteran centre.
“He was involved in a huge game with Ireland the previous weekend,” he said. “In my mind, I am thinking ‘Is he good to go?’ So, I spoke to him and said ‘Are you good to go?’ and he said ‘Yeah, I’m good to go’.
“He trained really well. He trained on the Monday, even after winning the Triple Crown with Ireland.
“Bundee was on great form. The energy he brings is amazing. It’s great to have him back.”
Photo: Inpho Photography
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