Bundee Aki commits to Connacht and Ireland

Bundee  Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht
Bundee Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht
©PA

Ireland and Connacht centre Bundee Aki has signed a one-year contract extension, keeping him in Irish rugby until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The announcement ends speculation regarding Aki’s future, with the 34-year-old previously linked to a potential move to French Top 14 club Toulon. His decision comes as a significant boost for both Connacht and Ireland as they retain one of their key performers for another year.

Aki, who has earned 60 caps for Ireland since his debut in 2017 against South Africa, has been a cornerstone of the national team.

His achievements include three Six Nations titles, two of which were Grand Slam victories, and a 2023 nomination for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year.

At the club level, Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since joining the Galway-based side in 2014. His standout performances helped Connacht secure the Pro12 title in 2016, one of the greatest achievements in the club's history.

"I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons," Aki shared.

"I love playing rugby in Ireland and believe that this is the right environment for me to progress as a player."

The deal makes Aki the latest Irish international to recommit to Irish rugby, following Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, who also signed contract extensions in recent days.

IRFU performance director David Humphreys emphasized Aki’s continued importance to both Connacht and the national team.

"Bundee has displayed a consistently high level of performance for club and country in recent years, and we are delighted to extend his deal.

"We believe Bundee has a lot more to offer on the field and has a big role in helping to develop the next batch of exciting youngsters out west in Connacht and within the wider Ireland panel."

 

Ireland Fixtures