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Bundee Aki is ready to cash in with the Lions, a decade on from quitting rugby to become a bank teller in New Zealand.
The Ireland centre, 31, took a year away from the sport back in 2011 and worked for Westpac in Auckland so he could provide for his young family.
‘At the time I had a new born and I had to make a decision on whether I wanted to pursue a career in rugby,’ the midfielder of Samoan descent explained.
Bundee Aki is preparing for his first tour with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa
Former bank worker Aki admitted to 'shedding tears' when he found out he made the team
‘At the end of the day it’s about my family and my kids so I had to make that sacrifice to be able to provide for my family. At the time I was only playing club rugby.
‘I wouldn’t change a thing. I did everything I could to be a good provider for my family. I make sure I put them first in everything I do.
‘When the Lions squad was announced I certainly shed a few tears with my wife and my parents on the phone.
‘Just talking about it now I’m getting a few goosebumps because the sacrifices we have made as a family have been unbelievable and this is it coming to fruition.
‘I have a lot of
