Bundee Aki's contract situation is cleared up in boost to Connacht ahead of Leinster clash

The IRFU have confirmed that Bundee Aki has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Connacht until at least the end of next season.

Aki, 34, had been linked with a move to Toulon by French media but the centre himself indicated during last month's Autumn Series that his stay in Galway would continue until the end of the 2025-26 campaign at the earliest.

The New Zealand-born back made his Ireland debut in 2017 and he has earned 60 Test caps, winning three Six Nations titles - including two Grand Slams - and he was nominated for the World Rugby Men's XVs Player of the Year award last year.

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Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in 2014, 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, who recently became an Irish citizen.

"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.”

Confirmation of the deal is a boost to Connacht ahead of Saturday's visit to the Aviva Stadium to take on URC table-toppers Leinster, and after the westerners opened up their Challenge Cup bid with two wins.

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 contract news comes on the back of Leinster duo Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong signing two-year contract deals to remain with the Blues.

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