Ireland international Bundee Aki commits to Connacht Rugby until 2022/23

Ireland international Bundee Aki has penned a new three-year contract with Connacht Rugby that will extend his stay with the Pro14 club until the end of 2022/23 season.

The Auckland born centre started his professional rugby debut with Counties Manukau in 2011 and also featured for Waikato Chiefs before moving to Ireland to join Connacht in 2014.

He has represented the Irish province 92 times in which he scored 18 tries and in 2016 he went on to win the Pro12 Player of the season with Connacht winning the domestic title.

“I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to represent both Connacht and Ireland and am delighted to extend my IRFU contract," said Aki to the official website of the club.

"The whole of Connacht have been incredibly supportive of both me and my family and the Ireland supporters have been fantastic from the very first day I was selected for the national squad.

"Connacht has become home to me and my family and I want to play my part in helping Connacht achieve their ambitious plans in the years to come.”

Having qualified to play for Ireland on residency grounds, the 29-year-old made his international debut during the November series in 2017 and has gone on to play 23 Tests. He was also part of Ireland's recent World Cup campaign in Japan where he played three games.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend lavished praise on Aki and is confident that his decision to remain with the club will prove beneficial.

“Bundee has been an incredible player for Connacht since his arrival in the Sportsground. He has completely embraced every aspect of life in the West of Ireland and has driven standards among the playing group.

"He shares the ambition that we have for the seasons ahead and what he can achieve as a Connacht player. His commitment for a further three seasons is a sign of the energy and passion he has for the province”.