Connacht boss Wilkins confident IRFU will work to hold onto Bundee Aki

Aki, who joined Connacht a decade ago, was superb as they scored a bonus point win over Dragons

Connacht's Bundee Aki with fans after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Sat, 26 Oct, 2024 - 22:31

John Fallon

Connacht coach Pete Wilkins said he is confident the IRFU will work towards keeping Bundee Aki here after speculation emerged on Friday that Toulon were interested in signing him.

Aki, who joined Connacht a decade ago, was superb as they scored a bonus point win over Dragons at Dexcom Stadium as he heads into Irish camp for the November internationals.

Aki on song against Dragons to leave Connacht sitting pretty

Wilkins, speaking to TG4 ahead of that game, said that Aki was happy in Connacht and he’s hopeful that the IRFU will resolve the situation.

“There are always rumours around this time of year at contract time and as soon as the French clubs start doing business there is always chatter about that,” said Wilkins.

“But, look, Bundee is happy here. We love Bundee and I think everyone knows that. The Irish public love Bundee and the Connacht public.

The IRFU will work through that and I’m sure it will have a good resolution.”

The 34-year old, who was granted Irish citizenship last month, has chalked up 142 appearances for the province and was outstanding in their 31-7 bonus point win over Dragons which lifts them to fifth in the table heading into the November break.