Lions Bundee Aki Plays Test Hours After Wife’s Newborn Daughter’s Car Birth

Bundee Aki, Ireland centre and Lions star, revealed that his wife Kayla gave birth to their fifth child, a daughter named Aine, in a car in New Zealand while he was preparing for the first British & Irish Lions Test against Australia in Brisbane. Despite not having met his newborn yet, Aki remained with the Lions squad, coming off the bench in the first Test and starting the final two, contributing to the team's 2-1 series victory over the Wallabies. Kayla was en route to the hospital and, with her mother present, delivered the baby in the car, keeping Aki updated via video call. Aki praised his wife's strength and resilience, describing the birth as a 'good omen' for the Lions' performance. The couple now has five children, all with names beginning with the letter 'A.' Aki expressed eagerness to return home to finally meet his daughter after eight weeks away from his family.