Bundee Aki has praised Ireland and its people for embracing him and his family since they arrived in the country several years ago. Aki was one of 3,600 people who became Irish citizens on Monday in ceremonies held at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
Aki, who was born in New Zealand and moved to Ireland to progress his rugby career, has become one of the best players in the country and for the national team.
The Ireland and Connacht centre has lived in the country for 10 years. During that time, he’s won 57 caps, scored 16 tries for Ireland, and was recently named the BDO Ireland Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year in 2024.
Aki spoke about the "unbelievable privilege" of being able to call himself an Irish citizen this week.
"It’s been 10 years since I’ve been here, so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people and Irish culture. To be able to get my citizenship today is an unbelievable privilege, so I’m delighted."
Aki also had kind words for the people of Ireland for helping him settle in the country.
“I’ve embraced the people, and the people have embraced me and my family as well," said Aki via the Mirror
“I have nothing to complain about here. I love the people, love the culture. There’s not a bad word I could say about Ireland.
“I know they are all delighted at home, and my family’s also delighted."
📰 Rugby star Bundee Aki is now an Irish citizen! 🙌 After 10 years of calling Ireland home, Aki celebrates his new citizenship with pride. ‘It’s a privilege,’ he says. 🇮🇪#BRUGBY #RugbyNews #BundeeAki pic.twitter.com/yAVOaGolMN
— BRUGBY (@brugbyofficial) September 17, 2024
The Connacht star also admits that calling Ireland "home" has become normal for him and his family.
"Every time I go somewhere, me and my family, people are so welcoming, people are so lovely. We feel like we’re at home.
“Wherever we go, every time we get back to Ireland, we say: ‘It’s nice to be back home.’"
According to a report from the Irish Times, 11,417 people have been conferred with citizenship this year, with further ceremonies planned for later in the year.
The nationalities with the most applicants at Monday’s ceremony were India (502), the United Kingdom (338), followed by Brazil (293), according to figures from the Department of Justice.
The counties with the highest number of applicants were Dublin (1,554), Cork (333), Meath (172), and Limerick (122).
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who also attended the ceremonies on Monday, congratulated Aki and others on their special day.
“Having had the privilege of attending many citizenship ceremonies, it fills me with joy to be able to share this special day with so many people,” she said.
“I would like to congratulate all our new citizens and wholeheartedly thank them for their contribution and commitment to Irish society. I have no doubt they will continue to contribute to making Ireland a more diverse and vibrant place to live."
