Bundee Aki clarifies feelings about playing for Ireland again

Monday, 02 February 2026 at 07:37

byRugby Rucker

Ireland have moved quickly to address Bundee Aki’s future after the centre was dropped from the squad last week following a disciplinary issue.

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The decision means Aki will miss the opening three rounds of the Six Nations, but despite the setback, Ireland have made it clear they are standing by him.

Speaking after the ban, Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman described Aki as a “great character”, admitting he has made a mistake but insisting the coaching staff will support him as he works through it.

Aki has represented Ireland 68 times since making his debut in 2017 and has never hidden his pride in pulling on the green jersey. That was underlined again last year when he became an Irish citizen, calling the moment a huge privilege.

“It’s been 10 years since I’ve been here so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people and Irish culture,” he said at the ceremony.

“To be able to get my citizenship today is an unbelievable privilege, so I’m delighted.

“I’ve embraced the people and the people have embraced me and my family as well.

“I have nothing to complain about here. I love the people, love the culture. There’s not a bad word I could speak about Ireland.”

Who has the most foreign-born players? 2026 Six Nations

So, which nation has the most foreign-born players in 2026?

Scotland — 14 foreign-born players (35%)

Homegrown: 26/40 (65%)
Foreign-born: 14/40 (35%)

Scotland once again lead the Six Nations for overseas-born representation.

Full list (Scotland)

Nathan McBeth — South Africa (Grandparent)

Pierre Schoeman — South Africa (Residency, 2021)

Ewan Ashman — Canada (Parent)

Elliot Millar Mills — England (Parent)

Josh Bayliss — England (Grandparent)

Jack Dempsey — Australia (Grandparent)

Ben White — England (Grandparent)

Fergus Burke — New Zealand (Grandparent)

Tom Jordan — New Zealand (Residency, 2024)

Rory Hutchinson — England (Grandparent)

Sione Tuipulotu — Australia (Grandparent)

Kyle Rowe — England (Cumulative Residency)

Kyle Steyn — South Africa (Parent)

Duhan van der Merwe — South Africa (Residency, 2020)

Wales — 9 foreign-born players (23.6%)

Homegrown: 29/38 (76.3%)
Foreign-born: 9/38 (23.6%)

Wales sit mid-table, with most foreign-born players coming through English development pathways or overseas heritage.

Full list (Wales)

Tomas Francis — England (Grandparent)

Archie Griffin — Australia (Parent)

Ben Carter — England (Residency, 2004)

Freddie Thomas — England (Grandparent)

Olly Cracknell — England (Grandparent)

Josh MacLeod — Monaco (Residency, 2004)

Gabriel Hamer-Webb — England (Parent)

Ellis Mee — England (Parent)

Blair Murray — New Zealand (Parent)

Italy — 8 foreign-born players (24.2%)

Homegrown: 24/33 (72.7%)
Foreign-born: 8/33 (24.2%)

Italy continue to benefit from a diverse talent pool, drawing on Argentine heritage and residency-qualified backs.

Full list (Italy)

Pablo Dimcheff — Argentina (Grandparent)

Muhamad Hasa — Albania (Residency, 2014)

Martin Page-Relo — France (Grandparent)

Stephen Varney — Wales (Parent)

Juan Ignacio Brex — Argentina (Grandparent)

Paolo Odogwu — England (Parent)

Montana Ioane — Australia (Residency, 2020)

Matt Gallagher — England (Grandparent)

Ireland — 8 foreign-born players (20%)

Homegrown: 34/40 (85%)
Foreign-born: 8/40 (20%)

Ireland remain one of the most homegrown squads in the championship, but several key players — especially in the backline — were born abroad.

Full list (Ireland)

Jeremy Loughman — USA (Parent)

Finlay Bealham — Australia (Grandparent)

Cormac Izuchukwu — England (Parent)

Joe McCarthy — USA (Parent)

Jamison Gibson-Park — New Zealand (Residency, 2019)

Ciarán Frawley — Australia (Parent)

Bundee Aki — New Zealand (Residency, 2017)

James Lowe — New Zealand (Residency, 2020)

France — 7 foreign-born players (15.5%)

Homegrown: 39/45 (86.6%)
Foreign-born: 7/45 (15.5%)

France have one of the strongest domestic player bases, but still include a handful of residency-qualified forwards.

Full list (France)

Dany Priso — Cameroon (Residency, 2008)

Uini Atonio — New Zealand (Residency, 2014)

Tevita Tatafu — Tonga (Residency, 2024)

Joshua Brennan — Ireland (Residency, 2005)

Thibaud Flament — Belgium (Born in France)

Emmanuel Meafou — New Zealand (Residency, 2023)

Tom Staniforth — Australia (Residency, 2025)

England — 6 foreign-born players (16.6%)

Homegrown: 34/36 (94.4%)
Foreign-born: 6/36 (16.6%)

England have the most domestically produced squad in the tournament, with only a small group born outside the country.

Full list (England)

Bevan Rodd — Scotland (Parent)

Emmanuel Iyogun — Spain (Residency)

Sam Underhill — USA (Parent)

Marcus Smith — Philippines (Parent)

Henry Arundell — Dhekelia (Parent)

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso — Wales (Grandparent)

Ranking: Most foreign-born players (2026)

Scotland — 14
Wales — 9
Italy — 8
Ireland — 8
France — 7
England — 6

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