Bundee Aki Commits to Ireland and Connacht Until 2025 with Contract Extension

Centre Bundee Aki Commits to Ireland and Connacht until 2025

In a move that will surely delight Irish Rugby fans, centre Bundee Aki has agreed to extend his contract, ensuring he will remain a key player for both the national team and Connacht until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Aged 33, Aki’s impressive career includes 52 appearances for Ireland where he has showcased his skills by scoring an impressive tally of 15 tries.

A key figure in Connacht since joining them in 2014, Aki played an instrumental role in their Pro12 title victory back in 2016. His talents were further recognized when he was selected to represent the British and Irish Lions during their tour in 2021.

Hailing from New Zealand originally, this year’s Rugby World Cup held in France saw Aki truly shine on the international stage. He featured prominently throughout all five of Ireland’s matches during the tournament, playing every minute and managing to score five tries. Notably, one of these came during Ireland’s narrow quarter-final defeat against perennial powerhouse New Zealand. His outstanding performances earned him two well-deserved man-of-the-match awards.

Adding to his accolades is his nomination as one of four players shortlisted for this year’s prestigious World Rugby men’s player of the year award – a true testament to his exceptional abilities on the field.

Beyond representing Ireland at an international level, Aki has also been a stalwart member of Connacht, making an impressive 127 appearances for the Irish province since joining them from the Chiefs. During his time with the New Zealand side, he secured a Super Rugby title.

His international debut came in 2017 against South Africa, and since then he has become an integral part of the Ireland squad, consistently delivering standout performances.

Reacting to his contract extension, Aki expressed his joy at continuing to play in Ireland: “Playing here means everything to me, and I am overjoyed to sign this contract extension with both the IRFU and Connacht. Since settling in Galway nine years ago, Ireland has truly become a second home for me and my family. I am incredibly grateful to my coaches, teammates, and supporters who have made us feel so welcome.”

Pete Wilkins, head coach of Connacht Rugby also shared his excitement about Aki’s decision: “Bundee has been an invaluable asset to Connacht Rugby throughout his nearly ten-year tenure here. His exceptional skills on the field make him one of the best players in world rugby as evident by his outstanding performance during this year’s Rugby World Cup. We are thrilled that Bundee has chosen to continue shaping our future alongside Connacht and representing Ireland.”