BundeeAki

Bundee Aki plays his rugby in the midfield, where a centre has to absorb pressure, make defensive reads and carry into the contact area to set up the next phase. He links forwards and backs, distributes when the overlap is on, and competes for the ball after the tackle. The role rewards timing, footwork and physical durability more than raw speed. It asks him to choose between passing, carrying and kicking depending on how the defence folds.

He is 36 and plays for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship, while representing Ireland internationally. He has 71 caps and 95 points at Test level. Connacht compete there, and Ireland call on him during international windows. Those are the sides attached to his career, and they define his current commitments.