Connacht have pulled off a major singing with the capture of New Zealand born centre Bundee Aki from the Waikato Chiefs Super Rugby side on a 3 year deal.

Aki will join Connacht at the end of the New Zealand ITM Cup season. Aki leaves Chiefs on a high, having cemented a regular starting spot, including in today’s win over the Melbourne Rebels, and starting 12 games and scoring 6 tries on the way to a championship.

Speaking today, Aki said of the move:

“I’m delighted to be able to confirm my move to Connacht Rugby. This is a huge opportunity for me and my family and I’m really excited by the new challenge. I spoke with Pat (Lam) and was very impressed with the aspirations he and the team have for the club and its future. It’s definitely something I want to be a part of.

“Right now, I’m excited about getting back to playing with the Chiefs, where I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time. There is a lot of rugby to be played before I start the next chapter with Connacht.”

Connacht head coach Pat Lam said of the new singing: “This is a fantastic coup for Connacht. It’s great to be able to replace the loss of Eoin Griffin and Kyle Tonetti with the calibre of a player like Bundee. He is only 24 years old and has already shown with the Chiefs and Counties Manukau what a thrilling prospect he is for the game.

“It’s very exciting to be adding him to our young Irish qualified back line here at Connacht and he will bring a real attacking edge in midfield.

“He is a hard-working and talented individual and I believe that he will greatly contribute to the Connacht culture we’ve been developing and the vision we have laid out for the team. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has described Aki as: “a very quick, aggressive and evasive ball carrier. Bundee is a competitive character who is destructive defensively.”