Bundee Aki and James Ryan have signed contract extensions with Connacht and Leinster respectively.
Aki penned a one-year deal and will remain in Ireland with Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season, while Ryan signed a three-year extension to keep him at Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Aki’s news comes after the 34-year-old became an Irish citizen in September and puts to bed any rumours of a move to France, with Toulon reportedly interested in recent times.
After the news of Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong’s contract extensions yesterday, Aki and Ryan’s signatures are another big boost for Irish rugby.
Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield, winning 60 Test caps in green and most recently featuring in three of Ireland’s Autumn Nations series matches last month.
Aki has won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year award.
The Ireland centre has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in Galway in 2014, famously helping the Province to Pro12 title success in 2016, and his commitment to Irish rugby is a further boost for Peter Wilkins‘ side.
“I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons. 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,” said Aki.
Ryan has been an influential figure for both club and country over the last seven seasons, winning 67 test caps in green and making 89 appearances for Leinster.
The 28-year-old started three of Ireland’s recent Autumn Nations series matches and has continued his development as an important line out leader for Andy Farrell‘s side, since making his Test debut against USA in June, 2017
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