Bundee Aki: Centre signs contract extension with Ireland and Connacht until 2025

Bundee Aki is tackled by Ardie Savea and Tamaliti Williams during Ireland's World Cup quarter-final defeat by the All Blacks

Centre Bundee Aki has agreed a contract extension that means he will continue to play for Ireland and Connacht until the end of the 2024-25 season.

The 33-year-old has made 52 appearances for Ireland and has scored 15 tries.

Aki signed for Connacht in 2014 and helped them to win the Pro12 title in 2016, then went on to play for the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

The native New Zealander has been one of the standout performers of this year's Rugby World Cup in France.

Aki played every minute of all five of Ireland's World Cup games, scoring five tries, including one in the narrow quarter-final defeat by the All Blacks. He picked up two man-of-the-match awards.

It was revealed on Thursday that he was one of four players shortlisted for World Rugby men's player of the year award.

Aki has played for Connacht 127 times to date since joining the Irish province from the Chiefs, where he won a Super Rugby title.

The bulldozing midfielder made his international debut against South Africa in 2017 and has since become a mainstay of the Ireland squad.

Commenting on the announcement, 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, team-mates and supporters for making my family and I so welcome here."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins added: "Bundee has made a huge contribution to Connacht Rugby over the almost 10 years that he has been here.

"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 Connacht and Ireland."