Ireland centre Bundee Aki ends speculation with decision over future

Ireland centre Bundee Aki has signed a one-year contract extension with Connacht and the Irish Rugby Football Union which will run until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 34-year-old’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season, and French outlet Midi Olympique had reported that Toulon were lining him up to replace Leicester Fainga’anuku, who is returning to New Zealand next season in a bid to kick-start his international career.

But the 60-cap international has committed to Ireland for another year, just weeks after becoming an Irish citizen. 

The deal will also extend Aki’s stay with Connacht to 12 years, where he has made 142 appearances and won a Pro12 title along the way.

Aki has been one of Ireland’s standout stars in recent years – being nominated for the World Rugby men’s XVs player of the year in 2023 – and still appears to have plenty to give in a green jersey, and indeed a red British and Irish Lions jersey at the end of the season.

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“I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons,” Aki said after signing the deal.

“I love playing rugby in Ireland and believe that this is the right environment for me to progress as a player. I would like to thank the IRFU for their support and I’m excited for what the future holds in green in the years ahead.”

IRFU performance director David Humphreys added: “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 that 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.”