Ireland is proving a land of opportunity for New Zealand rugby star Bundee Aki.

Transplanted New Zealand star Bundee Aki is desperate to play international rugby has been sounded out by Irish coach Joe Schmidt.

Aki has just signed a lucrative three-year contract extension at Connacht where he is earning rave reviews.

Connacht beat of strong advances from rivals Munster and several big-spending French clubs for Aki's services.

Aki will satisfy residency clauses and become eligible to play for Ireland in October 2017.

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The 26-year-old is on Schmidt's radar with Ireland's Kiwi coach signing a new deal himself through to the next World Cup and beginning long-term planning for that tournament.

"Joe has spoken to me," Aki told The42.ie.

"He has been giving me feedback about how I have been performing and things I can work on.

"I want to play rugby to the highest level, and if that opportunity arrives then I will take it with two hands.

"But my main focus at the moment is my provincial contract. I am playing with Connacht and I am trying to do as much as I can to make us play really well."

Aki played 41 games for Counties Manukau and 26 for the Chiefs, including helping them to a Super Rugby title, before he headed north to Ireland in 2014.

His efforts in the Connacht midfield helped them to a breakthrough win in the Guiness Pro 12 league this year where he was named player of the season.