Rugby fans have only just discovered Bundee Aki's real name
Rugby NewsSunday, 25 February 2024 at 16:27
Rugby Union fans feel they have been lied to after discovering Bundee Aki's real name.
RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content
Aki was born in Auckland on April 7 1990, and grew up in a large family as one of six siblings in Manurewa. The centre attended Manurewa High School and went on to feature in their first team.
The star would work his way up through the Counties Manukau ranks earning himself a Chiefs contract in 2013, where he went on to make 25 appearances for the club and win a Super Rugby title before being coaxed to Connacht in 2014.
The 32-year-old would win the PRO12 with Connacht in the 2015/2016 season resulting in an Ireland call-up a year later after he had qualified through residency.
Aki would also earn selection in 2021 for the British & Irish Lions’ tour of South Africa, where he made one Test appearance for the famous touring side.
Real name:
Contrary to what one might think, Bundee is, in fact, a nickname given to the star. Aki’s birth name is Fua Leiofi owing to his Samoan heritage.
However, the star was called Bundellu after the doctor who delivered him all those years ago. Since then the nickname has been shortened to the “Bundee” most are familiar with.
"Who's George" - 20 rugby players whose names aren't really what you think they are
Dallaglio is not the only player who goes by a different name, and some fans were also taken aback when they learned Leigh Halfpenny's first name is actually Stephen.
#1. Leigh is really Stephen Halfpenny
#2. Doddie is really George Wilson Weir
#3. Manu is really Manusamoa Tuilagi
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#4. Conor is really Gerard Murray
#5. Richie is really Richard McCaw
#6. Scott is really Leon Quinnell
#7. Iain is really William Henderson
#8. Sonny Bill WIlliams is Sonny William Williams
Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand applauding the crowd - Photo mandatory by-line: Dean Lancaster/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 02/10/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 - POOL C Match 23 - New Zealand v Georgia- Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales.
#9. Will is really Sanchez William Genia
#10. Mako is really Makovina Wanangarua I Whanga Nui-Atara Vunipola
Mako Vunipola of England during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#11. Francois is really Jacobus Pienaar
#12. Maro is really Oghenemaro Miles Itoje
Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#13. Taulupe is really Tangaki Faletau
Taulupe Faletau during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK
#14. Bakkies is really John Philip Botha
#15. Billy is really Viliami Vunipola
Billy Vunipola of Saracens on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final Match between Leicester Tigers and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium on 18 June 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#16. Rassie is Johan Erasmus
#17. Rob Andrew is Christopher Andrew
#18. Lawrence is really Lorenzo Dallaglio
#19. Mils is really Junior Malili Muliaina
#20. Joe is really Ratu Josateki Tuivanuavou Waqanivalu Cokanasiga
Joe Cokanasiga of England waves in the direction of the crowd following the Guinness Six Nations Round Four match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 9th March 2019. Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading