Bundee Aki on four-man shortlist for Six Nations Player of the Championship

A huge acknowledgement of the Connacht star's consistency, and impact across a winning campaign.

Ahead of that finale, we spoke with Mack Hansen, his Connacht and Ireland teammate, as he helped promote the Wings for Life World Run. Hansen was asked for his take on Aki and set off on one:

"He's a great fella and mostly this happy-go-lucky guy. Saying that, he can be a little bit hard-headed sometimes but just a great bloke and a top player. You know, when Bundee is enjoying himself, that is when he’s at his best. You can see, right now, what a great time he is having. He’s got a big smile on his face when he’s playing these games."

Also nominated for the award are Ben Earl (England), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) and Tommaso Menoncello (Italy). The most unfortunate player to miss out must be Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan, who scored five tries in the championship and was part of a front row that dominated four of their five matches. The Irish lineout being under pressure in most games could have been the one blot that kept his name off that shortlist.

Bundee Aki and Ireland set for South Africa tests

After Ireland won back-to-back Six Nations titles, coach Andy Farrell was asked about the upcoming summer tour to South Africa.

"Yeah," Farrell began, "it doesn't get any more difficult, does it, or any more exciting than that.

"All you want is an opportunity not put yourself out there against the best and South Africa are 100% the best, so being able to go out there and test ourselves over there.

"We’ve managed to win one game over there before. To be able to play two games and test ourselves will be great for our development, going forward.”

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