Bundee Aki is remaining tight lipped on the prospect of playing for Ireland in the future. The 27 year old Kiwi will be eligible to play for Joe Schmidt's side this October with the three-year residency rule but he also has the option to represent New Zealand and Samoa.

The Connacht centre signed a new contract with the Western province last October when it looked like he could be on his way out of the Pro12 champions. Shortly after he took to twitter to express his disappointment of the news that head coach Pat Lam was leaving this summer to take up a role at Bristol.

Speaking today Aki said " I need to focus on Connacht, I can’t think ahead of myself. "

" Ireland have quality players. They have a lot of good players there. I can’t parachute my way in there. I got to just put my head down and do what I want to do, perform week in week out, perform consistently. "

" When the time arises it arises, but for the moment my focus is just Connacht. "

Meanwhile, Aki has also been named in the Barbarians squad to face England in London on Sunday 28 May which will be followed by a trip to Kingspan Stadium to play Ulster on Thursday 1 June.