Pat Lam backs Bundee Aki to become a "special" player for Ireland
Pat Lam and Bundee Aki were part of Connacht
©PA
Former Connacht head coach Pat Lam insists Bundee Aki can become a 'special player' for Ireland following his first-call up to the national squad for the autumn internationals.
The 27-year-old became qualified to represent Ireland following his three-year residency period and now becomes one of four uncapped additions made by Joe Schmidt for the November Tests.
It was Lam, who convinced Aki to shift from New Zealand Super Rugby side Chiefs to Connacht in 2014 and the 49-year-old credited the talented centre for overcoming the challenges to make it into the Ireland squad.
"I've said it from day one when he signed for Connacht, then again when I was leaving for Bristol: nothing would make me more proud of seeing Bundee wear that Ireland jersey," Bristol coach Lam told Press Association Sport.
"He's an exceptionally talented player, but he's very passionate, he just loves teamwork and operating at the highest level is where he deserves to be.
"It took real guts for Bundee to move to Connacht, to look after his young family.
"It wasn't the easiest upbringing for him and it wasn't the easiest situation. He became a father at a young age and he had to grow up pretty fast.
"He's going to be special for Ireland if he gets capped."
Apart from Aki, Adam Byrne, Chris Farrell and Darren Sweetnam are also in contention to make their Ireland debut in November and Lam who has gone on to take in charge of the Aviva Premiership club Bristol pointed out Aki's commitment towards Irish rugby despite lucrative offers that came his way from the French regions.
"When he came up to the west of Ireland he fitted into the team environment immediately - and he loves that," said Lam.
"The proof of the pudding was that a lot of clubs, particularly in France, came hard after him and he chose to commit to the west of Ireland - and that probably shocked a lot of people.
"He really fell in love with the place and what it stands for.
"It's not a decision he's made lightly, it's because he's thoroughly enjoyed his time in Ireland - and the Irish people love him as well.
"He took his time on the decision, people tried to pull it out of him but it wasn't a reality when he wasn't eligible."
