Two Ireland stars have signed contract extensions with the Six Nations champions.
Centre Bundee Aki has agreed a new one-year deal that will keep him with provincial side Connacht and Ireland until the end of the 2025-26 season, while Ryan has signed on for a further three years with Leinster, taking him until 2028.
New Zealand-born Aki (34) has been a key figure in Ireland’s midfield since making his debut in 2017, winning three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams.
“I’m delighted to extend my contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons,” Aki said.
Lock James Ryan (28) has also won three Six Nations titles and has captained the national side.
“I am 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.”
IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: “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.”
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