Connacht and Ireland’s Bundee Aki was named as the BDO Ireland Men’s XVs Players’ Players of the Year 2024 by his fellow players at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.
Aki was chosen for this award by his fellow players at the celebration of Irish Rugby at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road on Thursday night.
He was also nominated for both World Rugby Player of the Year and Six Nations Player of the Championship, and went up against contenders such as Jamison Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan in the shortlist.
A fan favourite, Aki hit new heights this season in the Irish midfield, helping Ireland to their second Six Nations title in as many years.
On receiving his award Bundee Aki commented, “I’m honoured to be recognised by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members as their Player of the Year.”
“It has been bittersweet but when I look back on the season, I won’t think about the results or awards. Instead, I’ll look back with pride at being part of such a resilient group, and the way we bounced back after the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup.”
“Individual awards are fantastic, but this one would not have been possible without Jamison, Dan or any of my Irish or Connacht teammates for pushing me along.”
Simon Keogh, CEO of Rugby Players Ireland added, “A Rugby Players Ireland Award represents the highest individual accolade in the game.”
“To be recognised by your teammates and opponents in this way is the ultimate show of respect. My congratulations to Bundee, Aoife, Zac, Megan and all of our winners tonight. Our game is in a good place.”
