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27th October 2024
12:55pm GMT
Connacht coach Pete Wilkins has said he is hoping that the IRFU will step in and help him convince Bundee Aki to stay in the west of Ireland.
Speculation emerged on Friday that Toulon were interested in signing the New Zealand native as a replacement for current number 13 Fainga’anuku who has just signed a two-year deal to rejoin the Crusaders after 18 months in France.
Aki earned his Irish citizenship last month after spending a decade living in the country and representing the national team for seven years.
He has very much cemented his place as a Connacht legend over his tenure in the west of Ireland, but at 34-years-old, appears ready to look for a new opportunity and life elsewhere.
According to French publication Midi Olympique, Toulon are reportedly very keen on Aki and want to wrap up a deal to take him to the Cote d’Azur ahead of the 2025 season.
It seems the Top 14 giants are under the impression that Aki is contracted “until the end of the 2024/25 season,” but a recent report from the Irish Independent has revealed that he is in fact down until 2026.
That would mean that Toulon or any potential suitor would likely have to pay a fee to release him from his current deal.
Wilkins, who spoke to TG4 ahead of Connacht's bonus point win over Dragons at Dexcom Stadium, insisted that Aki is happy in Connacht.
“There are always rumours around this time of year at contract time and as soon as the French clubs start doing business there is always chatter about that,” said Wilkins.
“But, look, Bundee is happy here. We love Bundee and I think everyone knows that. The Irish public love Bundee and the Connacht public.
“The IRFU will work through that and I’m sure it will have a good resolution.”
Speaking to the Irish Times last month, Aki spoke about his love of the country and in particular, his hometown of Galway.
“I’ve been here for a very long time,” he said. “I’ve embraced the people, and the people have embraced me and my family as well. We feel like we’re at home. To be granted citizenship is not something you take lightly.”
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