Toulon have lined up Ireland centre Bundee Aki as one of their main transfer targets next summer, according to French publication Midi Olympique.
However, the Belfast Telegraph has learned that Aki is in fact contracted to the IRFU until 2026.
Reports in France had suggested that Aki has already held initial talks with Toulon about the prospect of joining the club at the end of the season in light of not yet having been offered a contract extension in Ireland, but as things stand the ball remains in the IRFU’s court.
Despite a 2023 IRFU press release stating that Aki was contracted “until the end of the 2024/25 season” it has now emerged that he is tied down until 2026, which would mean Toulon or any potential suitor would likely have to pay a fee to release him from his current deal.
It appears that Aki’s contract included an option to extend by a further year and it looks as though the IRFU have exercised that option.
Aki joined Connacht in 2014 and has gone on to become the western province’s most successful overseas signing, while he is still a key part of Andy Farrell’s plans with Ireland.
Given that Aki will be 35 in April, there has been speculation that he may decide to cash in on a big-money move to France, with Toulon making an early move to tempt him to the Top 14, while Biarritz and Aix are also said to be in the hunt for a world-class operator, who will not be short of offers.
Aki and his family are well-settled in Galway but the opportunity of playing in a nice part of France in the autumn of his career would hold obvious appeal.
Fitness-permitting, Aki is expected to be part of next summer’s Lions tour, which Farrell will oversee as head coach.
With the rumour mill in full flight as contract season enters a crucial stage, Leinster out-half Ross Byrne has also been linked with a move to France, with Montpellier reportedly monitoring his situation.
Meanwhile, the IRFU have pulled off a major coup by luring former Ireland international Lynne Cantwell home from her role in South Africa.
Cantwell will take over as the IRFU’s head of women’s strategy on January 1, bringing an end to her time as SA Rugby’s high performance manager for women’s rugby.