Bundee Aki has put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension to keep himself at Connacht Rugby until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in 2014 and was an integral part of the Pro12 winning team in 2016. His commitment to Irish Rugby is a huge boost for Pete Wilkin's side.
The Ireland centre said: "I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht."
"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," added Aki.
Since making his Ireland debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has been instrumental to the national team's successes. He has won three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams. He has been an influential clog in Ireland's midfield, winning 60 Test caps and was nominated for the World Rugby Men's XVs Player of the Year award in 2023.
Most recently, Aki took part in three of Ireland's Autumn National Series fixtures.
David Humphreys, Performance Director for the IRFU believes the best is yet to come from Aki.
"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."
