Both Bundee Aki and Tyler Bleyendaal have been pictured at an Ireland training camp in Carton House.
The two New Zealanders are both set to become eligible to play for Ireland in the coming months under the three-year residency rule.
Aki joined Connacht in 2014 from the Chiefs, initially signing a three-year deal. Last year, he penned an extension which ties him to the province until 2020.
The centre, who qualifies to play for Ireland in October, has been coy in the past when discussing his international future. Having him at an Ireland training camp is certainly a good sign for those who would like to see him in the Ireland shirt.
Couple of new faces in the Ireland training camp. ?
Thanks Angela Nolan for sending the pics our way. pic.twitter.com/kIzeesbFDu— martin (@16thman) August 21, 2017
Unlike Aki, who would be eligible to play in this season's November internationals against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, Bleyendaal will have to wait a little longer to qualify.
The 27-year-old was initially supposed to join Munster in November 2014. However, a neck injury delayed his arrival until 2015. It means the out-half would not be eligible to play for Ireland until just prior to the 2018 Six Nations.
Featured image: Sportsfile
Pictures of Bundee Aki and Tyler Bleyendaal: Angela Nolan
