Ireland centre Bundee Aki has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with Connacht and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), it was announced on Tuesday.

The extension means that the experienced international star will remain at the Irish side until the end of the 2025/26 season in a significant boost to the province.

Aki is 34 years of age but is still producing top-drawer performances for both Ireland and Connacht, with this new contract a reflection of his consistent showings.

Ireland debut in 2017

Since making his Test debut against the Springboks in 2017, the powerful centre has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 60 Test caps in green.

He recently featured in three of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series matches at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, picking up the Player of the Match honours against Fiji.

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

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The Ireland stalwart has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in Galway in 2014, famously helping the province to a PRO12 title success in 2016.

His commitment to Irish Rugby is a further boost for Peter Wilkins’ side, with Aki “delighted” to have re-signed with Connacht and the IRFU for another season.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons,” said the former Chiefs man.

“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.”

‘Lot more to offer’

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.”

Aki’s extension comes a day after the news that Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter had signed two-year deals with Leinster and Ireland.

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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/bundee-akis-future-decided-after-leinster-props-sign-new-irfu-contracts