Pete Wilkins: Bundee Aki contract 'great for Connacht'

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins believes Bundee Aki's new contract is a hugely important piece of business for the province.

The Ireland international had been the subject of speculation around a summer move to French side Toulon, but is one of four players who have agreed new central contracts with the IRFU this week, along with Leinster trio James Ryan, Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong.

Aki has played 142 times for Connacht since joining from New Zealand’s Chiefs in 2014, and his new contract will bring him up to the summer of 2026, by which time he’ll have spent 12 years in Ireland.

After qualifying on residency, the powerful centre made his Ireland debut against South Africa in 2017, and he has gone on to win 60 caps, as well as touring with the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

"Fantastic news. Great for Connacht and great for Irish rugby," Wilkins said.

Aki (34) will be 36-years-old when his contract extension expires, but the Connacht head coach believes the New Zealand native is getting better with age.

"In terms of Bundee's strengths, I think everything you see out on the field probably goes without saying. The key thing that he brings to our environment is that calm head and that experience from playing in some of the biggest games and the biggest occasions.

"I think when he's on the field for us, if we get into situations, whether it's a good period of momentum in the game where we're getting up ahead of steam or whether it's a period where we may be struggling and perhaps conceded points, or the referee is going against us, he gives that calmness.

"Anyone can tell players to settle down and get on with the next job. But when it comes from someone who's excelled at the very, very top level and seen it and done it, I