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Ireland centre Bundee Aki in talks with Toulon
By Neil Fissler
Toulon have launched an ambitious attempt to lure Ireland and Lions inside centre Bundee Aki to the Cote d’Azur when his contract with the Irish Rugby Union runs out at the end of the season.
Midi Olympique are reporting that Toulon have lined up Aki, who will be 35 next April, to replace Leicester Fainga’anuku, who is returning to New Zealand next season in a bid to kick-start his international career.
Fainga’anuku, who plays at 13 for Toulon and has won seven All-Black caps, has signed a two-year deal to rejoin the Crusaders after shinning in his 18 months in France, scoring ten tries in 22 appearances after his move following the 2024 World Cup.
He isn’t the only centre Toulon have coming to the end of their contracts. Samoan international Duncan Paia’aua could leave the club, while the futures of Mathieu Smaili and Jeremy Sinzelle are less than certain.
Auckland Aki, who has spent the last decade playing for Connacht, where he is closing in on 150 appearances, hasn’t yet been offered a new deal by the Irish Rugby Union for next season had held a video meeting with Toulon.
The news that Aki is seriously considering a move to France comes less than a move after he was pictured receiving his Irish citizenship from Minister for Justice Helen McEntee during a ceremony in Dublin.
“I’ve been here for a very long time. 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,” Aki told the Irish Times.
Aki could also be a target for Provence Rugby and Biarritz, who are both gunning for promotion from the Pro D2 this season, but Toulon, who have already landed Zach Mercer from Gloucester, are the clear favourites to land him.
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Latest Comments
At best, no substantiation there.
Gats was literally sacked from the Irish job. Ireland have had the upper hand on England for a long time. England matches no matter who are playing are bitter affairs. Ask anyone in NH. Not England's fault, and English people are great...just the way it is.
Zebo, long retired, was reacting publicly to Erasmus and SA players making baseless charges publicly that Ireland were arrogant. Erasmus arranged for such videos to be made and shown before the Series matches. Zebo, rang him and told him it was just a stray comment, not to be taken seriously.
Look at NH experience of NZ: England savaged as arrogant after beating NZ in 2002; BOD attacked for trying to show respect to the Haka but not doing it quite right...or something...Ireland in 2022 daubed as arrogant after beating NZ in the series....2023 after the quarter, NZ abuse Irish players and supporters after the final whistle.
There is far more substantiation in the other direction JD.
If NZ disrespect and ridicule Ireland, it may be arrogant and disrespectful but there is an unintended compliment in there somewhere. We are aware of both!
Go to commentsThe true France fans are also sad about those current rules and would prefer a premium France team to tour SH for various obvious reasons: respect of the hosting nation, games interest and sound WC preparation. Unfortunately this is impossible as long as the Top14 doesn’t become a Top12 or alternatively highly successful top French clubs (Toulouse, La Rochelle) stop playing the Champions Cup which second option doesn’t make sense as it is truly international and far more competitive than the Super Rugby. The desired first option (Top12) is unfortunately rejected by the LNR due to financial reasons but clever alternatives could be pursued on TV rights if necessary.
Coming back to Dupont if not injured he will be in Australia at the next WC and one year before at the new Nations Championship which won’t be in France either.
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