Bundee Aki Poised for Big Payday After Leaving Connacht, Premiership Club in Contention
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In a surprise move, French rugby powerhouse Toulon has reportedly targeted Ireland’s star centre Bundee Aki as their primary transfer target for next season.
According to Rugbyrama.fr—part of France's highly-regarded Midi Olympique—Toulon have made Aki their top priority in recruitment.
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Toulon in Pursuit: Aki Top of the Wish List
Known for his formidable strength and on-field leadership, Aki has captured the attention of Toulon's recruiters, who have already reportedly spoken with him over a video call. Aki’s experience and physicality would undoubtedly add punch to Toulon's midfield, positioning them to become even more competitive in the Top 14.
Is Aki Ready for Fresh Horizons?
The French report suggests Aki may be considering a ‘new challenge’ away from Ireland's shores, sparking hopes in Toulon that he could be persuaded to make the switch. Known for attracting some of rugby's biggest names, Toulon is no stranger to securing top-tier talent.
Bristol Bears Also in the Running?
Not to be outdone, Bristol Bears are also reportedly keen to lure Aki. Bristol's head coach Pat Lam, who coached Aki at Connacht, is a huge admirer of the Ireland star and may well be eager to reunite with him. With significant financial resources, the Bears could present a compelling alternative to Toulon.
Aki's Impactful Journey: From Connacht to the Lions
Aki joined Connacht in 2014 after a strong two-year stint with the Chiefs in New Zealand, where he lifted the Super Rugby trophy. Since then, he's been instrumental in Connacht's success, helping them claim the PRO12 title in 2016. His performances earned him a debut for Ireland in 2017, and he has been a mainstay ever since, even joining the ranks of the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
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England players who could swap nations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup
The latest eligibility laws by World Rugby have created a possibility for several renowned England players to represent a different country from their initial capped one, both in the present and upcoming years.
These new regulations state that players can meet the transfer qualification criteria by abstaining from Test rugby for three years and being either born in the country they want to represent or have a parent or grandparent who was born there.
Although some players are more likely to do so than others, here we discuss five players who could potentially switch.
#1. Manu Tuilagi to Samoa
In an extensive interview with The Daily Telegraph, the youngest Tuilagi revealed that while "England is very special to me, of course, but my heart and home is still Samoa."
“I’d love to pull on the blue jersey one day,”
Manu, who is named after the Samoan national side, is the odd one out of his rugby-playing brothers, as Anitelea, Alesana, Henry and Freddie all opted to play for Manu Samoa rather than any of the European nations they spent time living in throughout their professional careers.
Tuilagi could be available for Samoa in 2027, Rugby World Cup though time isn’t on his side as he would be 35 by then.
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