LAST UPDATE | 17 Dec 2024

THE IRFU HAS officially confirmed that Connacht centre Bundee Aki has signed a one-year extension to his national contract until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

34-year-old Aki had been linked with a move to French rugby at the end of this season but he and the IRFU have exercised the one-year option on his national deal – also known as a ‘central contract’ – to ensure he will remain with Connacht.

Leinster and Ireland lock James Ryan has also signed a three-year extension to his existing national-contract deal.

The 28-year-old has pledged his future to province and country until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.

Confirmation of Aki and Ryan’s extensions followed yesterday’s announcement by the IRFU that Leinster and Ireland props Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter have signed new national contracts until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Midfielder Aki continues to be a key man in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad, having featured in three of their recent November Tests.

IRFU performance director David Humphreys highlighted Aki’s importance to Connacht and Ireland as he welcomed this new deal.

“Bundee has displayed a consistently high level of performance for club and country in recent years and we are delighted to extend his deal,” said Humphreys.

“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.”

Aki expressed his excitement about getting the deal done.

“I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons,” said Aki.

“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.” 

Second row Ryan has become an integral part of his provincial and national setups over the last seven seasons, winning 67 Test caps and representing Leinster on 89 occasions.

Ryan started three of Ireland’s November internationals.

“I’m delighted to sign a new contract with Leinster and commit my long-term future to the IRFU,” Ryan said.

“Playing in ambitious set-ups is a big driver for me personally and I know how committed everyone in Irish rugby is to work hard and achieve success.

“It’s a privilege to play for my home province and my country and, with the talent coming through the academy systems, I’m excited about what the future holds in blue and green.”

Speaking of Ryan’s retention, David Humphreys described the second row as “a mainstay of the Leinster and Ireland engine rooms over the last number of seasons” and said it was “a huge boost for both teams” that the former Ireland U20s captain would remain in the country.

“James has displayed consistency and talent for many years which, allied to his leadership skills, means that Ireland has successfully retained another important player within our system,” Humphreys added.

“We believe that James’ best years are ahead of him and look forward to watching him progress in the seasons to come.”