Boost for Connacht and Ireland as Bundee Aki agrees new one-year contract extension

Bundee Aki is the latest big name to be tied down by the IRFU, who confirmed on Tuesday that the centre has agreed a new one-year deal that will keep him at Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Aki, 34, made his international debut against South Africa in 2017, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the Irish midfield. He has won 60 Test caps, winning three Guinness Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.

In 2023 he was nominated for the World Rugby Men's XVs Player of the Year award.

He's been a huge hit out west too. Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in Galway in 2014, famously helping the province to Pro12 title success in 2016.

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

"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."

It's another boost for Ireland ahead of the spring's Six Nations.

On Monday, Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter signed two-year contract extensions with the IRFU that will keep them at Leinster until the end of the 2026/27 season.