Dec 18,2024
James Ryan and Bundee Aki are the latest big names to be tied down by the IRFU, who confirmed on Tuesday that the pair have agreed new three-year and one-year deals respectively.
Aki, 34, will stay at Connacht until at least the end of the 2025/26 campaign. The centre made his international debut against South Africa in 2017, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the Irish midfield. He has won 60 Test caps, winning three Guinness Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
In 2023 he was nominated for the World Rugby Men's XVs Player of the Year award.
He's been a big hit out west too. Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in Galway in 2014, famously helping the province to Pro12 title success in 2016.
"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."
Ryan has agreed a three-year deal that keeps him at Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.
Over the last seven seasons Ryan has earned 67 Test caps and made 89 appearances for the province.
The 28-year-old has won three Six Nations, four Pro12/Pro14 titles and a European Champions Cup.
"I am delighted to sign a new contract with Leinster and commit my long-term future to the IRFU," Ryan reflected.
"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 another welcome double boost for Ireland ahead of the spring's Six Nations.
On Monday, Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter signed two-year contract extensions with the IRFU that will keep them at Leinster until the end of the 2026/27 season.
