It's the statement of intent for the future that makes it so important. It's incredibly good news; Aki staying will have other big-name players looking at Connacht in a completely different light, let alone the media. 2016 has been some year for us. What odds a Connacht player lifting the WWE in Japan in 3 years?

What a day, 2 huge re-signings. We're on the right track.
It's a testament to Pat for his vision and work ethic that we can look at Leinster away and say we can take them,!!!
Now integrate Boshoff into the squad and happy days :woohoo:

All joking aside, I think this might just be a happier day than Edinburgh (obviously Edinburgh was bigger for the club history) even for me as it was totally unexpected. I didn't even dare to dream we could keep Bundee; and Dillane is just the icing on the cake.

I havent had a feeling like this since I was a 6 year old kid at Xmas.

Delighted with that news - it's a measure of how far we've come that we can retain such high quality players as Bundee and Ultan.
Happy days to be a Connacht fan!

The dark made us hardened steel. Equal? Well the others certainly can aspire to being Pro12 champions, top of their champions cup pool and playing rugby on par with NZ but we won't give up our title easily. We're top of the tree. Stadium next on list then the world

I'm not sure Marty is yet of a high enough standard for us to give up precious housing space. Conan O'Donnell will be another fantastic international in waiting however

This is the best news since the final whistle blew in Edinburgh last year. Two of the best players on the planet are staying with the best rugby playing team in the northern hemisphere.

Massive work & hugh credit to Pat Lam & the Connacht organisation (Of which I've been highly critical lately, due to my love for Connacht and fear for the future) and so much credit due also to Bundee & Ultan for believing in what's building way out west.

I was resigned to not seeing them in green next year but I've never been happier to say "I was Wrong".

Hopefully Tom McCartney & Dennis will be next as they are for my money as good a loosehead & hooker as there is anywhere and every bit as important to Connacht.

The future is bright, The future is Green.

Devils own wrote: I believe CJ standers wife and Henshaws girlfriend have been spotted house hunting in Galway it's an exclusive about to be published.

Ever notice how some in the media from certain segments etc never miss an opportunity to refer to kerry when a certain player was bleeding green for the club that had faith in his potential (Pro12 champion & Ireland International).
They don't seem to consistently mention Leinsters biggest player is Connachts own academy graduate Henshaw or mention Conway/Keatly etc aren't from limerick, funny that.

Attitudes in the press will take time to change it's not a switch that will be flicked with 2 good seasons. I honestly believe that a new stadium with good press facilities will change that and i mention those facilities specifically as when reporters come to Galway they don't have anywhere professional feeling to do their work and that can seep into their perception of the club.

I think a lot of supporters who have gone through the dark days expect a switch to be flicked now and we should be perceived equally along the lines of the other three provinces and signings like today's will really bolster that perception. Its why Robbie leaving hurt more than others as it portrayed Connacht as not being there not good enough where in reality we are in the process of breaking all those perceptions.

also I heard Marty Moore was looking at houses on daft in headford for when he moves over

Linley MacKenzie reporting that contract were signed 2 weeks ago but they held back on the announcement following Anthony Foleys passing.

Fantastic news for Connacht rugby. Delighted.

I believe CJ standers wife and Henshaws girlfriend have been spotted house hunting in Galway it's an exclusive about to be published.

Ever notice how some in the media from certain segments etc never miss an opportunity to refer to kerry when a certain player was bleeding green for the club that had faith in his potential (Pro12 champion & Ireland International).
They don't seem to consistently mention Leinsters biggest player is Connachts own academy graduate Henshaw or mention Conway/Keatly etc aren't from limerick, funny that.

This is great news for everyone associated with Connacht and huge respect has to go to every one involved. I think it also will add a lot of weight to our ability to recruit in the future. Great day for Connacht Rugby now to beat Leinster at the weekend with a BP and a try from Bundee Ulatan Kelleher and Niyi that would be the cherry on top

Latest pundit arena scoop, Ringrose has bought a house in Taylors Hill in advance of his move to Connacht.

Delighted with this, its a big statement and hats off to those behind the scenes that made it happen.

It shows the belief and desire that the players have and I think that it will lead to more players wanting to extend their own contracts and be a part of what we are building.

EvoGeo wrote: Latest pundit arena scoop has it that Murray and Stander have signed for connacht once their contracts are finished

Murray's box kicking game would not fit in a Connacht

Presume it's only a matter of time now before Robbie moves back to Galway!

I presume Willie and Pat were able to rely upon a lot of good will earned by their graceful handling of Robbie's move.

We remain the only province not to have a grudge against David Nucifora