Ireland star re-signs in major boost for Connacht

NEWS: Ireland star Bundee Aki has signed a new one-year contract extension with the Ireland Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and will remain in Galway with Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Despite links to Bristol Bears, Aki’s commitment to Connacht remains rock solid.

His re-signing is a massive boost for Connacht head coach Peter Wilkins ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship table-toppers clash with Leinster.

Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 60 Test caps in green and most recently featuring in three of Ireland’s Nations Series matches at Lansdowne Road.

Aki has won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year award.

The Ireland centre has made 142 appearances for Connacht since he arrived in Galway in 2014, famously helping the Province to Pro12 title success in 2016, and his commitment to Irish Rugby is a further boost for Peter Wilkins‘ side.

Commenting on the announcement, Aki said: “I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons.

“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.”