Bundee Aki: Early changes emerge in Irish center's transfer links to Toulon: Planet Rugby

Bundee Aki has reportedly started talks with Toulon over a possible move to the south of France, but a specific clause in his contract could disrupt those plans.

Irish center linked with move away from Galway after French exit Midi Olympics He claimed that the 34-year-old player met with Toulon representatives via video call.

Officially Flux currently under contract Irish Rugby Football Union He extended the deadline until 2025 following his stunning performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The powerful midfielder went on to play a key role in the 2024 Six Nations as Andy Farrell’s men won another title.

contract confusion

Despite his advancing years, the Connacht star continues to perform at a very high level and as a result Toulon appear to have targeted him as a key player for next year.

But if they are to bring him to the hospital, they may have to pay more than they initially expected. top 14.

Accordingly independent.ieAki’s contract was actually extended until 2026 instead of 2025; This is different from what was officially announced in 2023.

This is reportedly due to a clause allowing the IRFU to extend this agreement for another year; this appears to be an option the governing body is exercising.

If this is the case, Toulon will likely need to pay a transfer fee to acquire the Irish center out of his contract.

Bundee Aki starts talks with Top 14 giants as no IRFU offer arrives – report

Toulon departures

Midi had previously reported that Toulon had reached out to the center as they searched for a replacement for Leicester Fainga’anuku, who will return to New Zealand next year.

It was also stated that Samoa national team player Duncan Paia’aua is likely to leave, while Mathieu Smaili and Jeremy Sinzelle are nearing the end of their contracts.

The French giants, who won the Heineken Cup three years in a row between 2013 and 2015, are looking for a world-class center forward and Aki certainly fits the bill.

The player may also be attracted by the opportunity to play in France. Although settled in Ireland, Connacht’s key player is now 34 and will turn 35 before the end of the season. This means Aki could be convinced of one last lucrative payday at Toulon.