Bundee Aki signs contract extension until 2025

Bundee Aki signed for Connacht in 2014 and has gone on to become a mainstay for both Connacht and Ireland.  

CONTRACT EXTENSION: Bundee Aki pens a contract extension with the IRFU and Connacht Rugby until the end of the 2024/25 season. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The IRFU and Connacht Rugby have announced that Bundee Aki has penned a new contract which will see him stay with Connacht until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Aki signed for Connacht in 2014 after two years with the Chiefs in New Zealand where he won a Super Rugby title. 

The centre made an immediate impact for the province helping the Westerners to their first-ever title when they won the PRO12 in 2016 and has gone on to make 127 appearances for Connacht.

We're delighted to announce Bundee Aki has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2024/25 season! ✍️#TeamOfUs

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 27, 2023

He made his international debut against South Africa in 2017 and has become a mainstay for the Irish squad since then. 

Aki has made 52 appearances for Ireland scoring 15 tries and he led from the front during Ireland's recent run in the Rugby World Cup winning man of the match awards for his performances against Tonga and South Africa. 

Aki has also been nominated for World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year. 

Aki became the fourth Connacht player to play for the British and Irish Lions in 2021. 

Speaking on his contact extension Aki said: "Playing in Ireland means the world to me and I am delighted to sign a contract extension with the IRFU and Connacht. 

"Since moving to Galway nine years ago, Ireland has become a home from home and I am incredibly grateful to my coaches, teammates and supporters for making my family and I so welcome here.

"We’ve made great friends and incredible memories together and I am excited about the talent that is coming through across the country. 

"I believe that there are more great days to come in the green of Connacht and Ireland and I am hugely excited about what the future holds."

He's a Connacht legend and World Player of the Year nominee.

And he's here to stay!#Bundee2025 https://t.co/3TDI8FxaLT pic.twitter.com/dMpKm9tMHb

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 27, 2023

"Bundee has made a huge contribution to Connacht Rugby over the almost 10 years that he has been here," said Connacht Rugby Head Coach Pete Wilkins

"He is one of the best players in world rugby and his performances at the Rugby World Cup were further evidence of that, so we are obviously delighted that he has chosen to continue his future with the Connacht and Ireland. 

"Bundee’s commitment to Connacht reflects not just the passion he has for this province but also the belief that he has in this club. 

"We look forward to welcoming him back after his much needed break and I have no doubt every Connacht fan will show him how much he means to us all when he next runs out at the Sportsground."

IRFU High-Performance Director David Nucifora added: "The IRFU is committing to developing and retaining high-quality players and we are delighted that Bundee has agreed this contract extension, coming so soon after a string of impressive displays for Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.

"Bundee is a hugely popular player who has given an enormous amount to both Connacht and Irish rugby over a long period of time and we are all thrilled he has committed to this contract extension."