He is among more than 3,600 people who were granted Irish citizenship during three ceremonies at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Monday.
Originally from Auckland in New Zealand, Aki has been living in Ireland for 10 years now. He currently plays as a centre for Ireland and Connacht and lives in Galway.
Speaking to the Irish Independent ahead of the first ceremony, he said: “It’s a huge privilege, it’s an honour as well to be able to call myself an Irish citizen now.”
“It’s been 10 years since I’ve been here so I thoroughly enjoy the Irish people, the Irish culture. To be able to get my citizenship today, it’s an unbelievable privilege, so I’m delighted,” he added.
The father of four also said he was a “bit nervous” before the official ceremony.
“A bit nervous going in there because I don’t know what to expect. It’s a unique thing to be here so I’m looking forward to it, going in there and embracing it,” he said.
Aki was congratulated by Justice Minister Helen McEntee who both spoke ahead of the ceremony.
“10 years is a long time but it didn’t feel like this was 10 years, I genuinely feel like it was two or three years ago. That’s how much I’ve enjoyed my time here in Ireland,” he said.
Being granted Irish citizenship is not something he takes lightly, he added.
“I’ve been here for a very long time. I’ve enjoyed my time in Ireland and embraced the people and the people have embraced me and my family as well.
“I know they are all delighted at home and my family’s also delighted. I have nothing to complain about here. Love the people, love the culture, I get along with a lot of them around here in Ireland.
“Every time I go somewhere, me and my family, people are so welcoming, people are so lovely. We feel like we’re at home at the moment.
“Wherever we go, every time we get back, we say: ‘It’s nice to be back home’,” he said.
Bundee Aki was one of more than 3,600 people who were granted Irish citizenship during three ceremonies at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Monday
Three ceremonies saw applicants from 143 countries around the world who are living across 32 counties on the island of Ireland being conferred as Irish citizens.
It follows 14 ceremonies held so far this year, with nearly 11,500 people being granted Irish citizenship.
Amna Altayeb (29) came to Ireland with her family from Sudan nine years ago. She travelled to Dublin from Sligo to be granted Irish citizenship at the Convention Centre.
“I feel so excited, so happy. I waited for this moment for a very long time,” she said.
“Ireland respects humans, respects women and I feel safe here. I feel this country supports me and my child. I started my studies at the Atlantic Technological University in Sligo, and I have my job, and I’m so happy.
“My child was born here, so he feels he’s Irish,” she added.
Anne Cunanan (36) from the Philippines moved to Ireland with her husband from Cork four years ago to start a family. She works as a nurse at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork.
“I came here four years ago, my husband is actually from Cork and we decided to meet here and start our family here. We have a baby now,” she said.
“It’s been great living here. I have never felt so welcome anywhere, I have worked in other countries but this one feels like home. This is a great day for me. It’s really an honour, I’m happy to be an Irish now.
“It’s so huge for my life, my husband and baby waiting for me at home. It’s just a feeling of being part of something, especially to be a part of this beautiful country. I feel like I belong. It’s so diverse, it’s multicultural. You won’t feel lost,” she added.
Fernando Amatore Rodrigué (32) from Argentina married his partner Shane Maguire from Ballyhaunis, Mayo, eight years ago.
They met in Australia 12 years ago and Mr Rodrigué moved to Ireland in 2015.
“This country has given me a lot of opportunities. Today is a milestone in the fact I am becoming one of yous, although I always felt part of the country.
“It’s a tough country to settle in, especially with the weather. But it’s incredible, I achieved things that I never thought I would have achieved. I come from Argentina and, unfortunately, we don’t have many opportunities over there.
“Certain things you put in the balance; we may not have sunny days every day but sure listen, look at what you can achieve.”
Aashiq Zakir Hussain (32), originally from India, lives in Cork and has moved to Ireland for college 12 years ago.
“I’m excited. I moved here for my college in 2012. I’ve been here for so long. Ireland is my home now,” he said.
Priscilla Dembia (26) came to Ireland with her kids from Paris in 2015 and now lives in Cork.
“I found a place that I can call home, people are very welcoming. I just want to be part of the community.
“I would like to contribute and do my part as well. When I came here I got a lot of help from everyone, it was amazing. I can do more as a citizen, I can help others.
“This is why I want to be part of this fabulous community and do what I can do to help in return,” she said.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Justice Minister Helen McEntee thanked the new Irish citizens for “enriching the Irish society”.
“Today is just a really positive step for them and their family, and I want to welcome them and wish them well in their futures,” she added.