Bundee Aki signs contract extension with IRFU and Connacht until 2025

Bundee Aki has committed his immediate future with the Irish Rugby Football Union and Connacht by signing a new contract until 2025.

Born in Auckland, the 33-year-old made his provincial debut with Counties Manukau in 2011 with his Super Rugby for Chiefs coming two years later.

After playing for the Super Rugby side 25 times, Aki made a switch to Connacht in 2014 and became an influential player for the province helping them win the Pro12 title for the first time in 2016. He has gone on to play for the province 127 times.

Aki made his Ireland debut in 2017 against South Africa and has gone on to play for his country in 52 Tests scoring 15 tries.

“Playing in Ireland means the world to me and I am delighted to sign a contract extension with the IRFU and Connacht," he told the official website of IRFU.

Since moving to Galway nine years ago, Ireland has become a home from home and I am incredibly grateful to my coaches, teammates and supporters for making my family and I so welcome here.

We’ve made great friends and incredible memories together and I am excited about the talent that is coming through across the country.

"I believe that there are more great days to come in the green of Connacht and Ireland and I am hugely excited about what the future holds.”

IRFU High Performance Director David Nucifora is delighted with Aki staying committed to Ireland and Connacht for another two years.

“The IRFU is committing to developing and retaining high quality players and we are delighted that Bundee has agreed this contract extension, coming so soon after a string of impressive displays for Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

"Bundee is a hugely popular player who has given an enormous amount to both Connacht and Irish rugby over a long period of time and we are all thrilled he has committed to this contract extension.”