The Ospreys have announced the signing of Australia international Lalakai Foketi from Super Rugby finalists Chiefs.
Hours after Foketi played a starring role in the Chiefs' semi-final demolition of the Crusaders in Hamilton, setting up three tries in a superlative outing, Mark Jones' side have confirmed their acquisition of the nine-cap Wallaby. Last week, WalesOnline had reported that a deal was close to being done for the 31-year-old.
The move to the Ospreys caps a fine week for Foketi. Days before his Super Rugby semi-final exploits, his wife gave birth to their third child.
“I’m really happy to be joining the Ospreys,” said Foketi. “It’s a club with a proud history and after speaking with Mark, I can see that the team has a clear vision of where it’s striving to be. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the environment here and the passion of the supporters, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the coaches and my new teammates. The focus for me is to bring my experience, play my part for the team and contribute in whatever way I can in helping this club to be successful. I think the way the team wants to play is something that will bring the best out of my game, and I’m excited by the prospect of that.”
Days after confirming a move for former Wallabies captain Liam Wright, the move is another statement of intent by the Ospreys.
Foketi, who was born in New Zealand and came through the Chiefs' pathway, initially made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 for the Melbourne Rebels before having a spell in France with Bayonne. A second stint in Australia with the Waratahs helped him break into Test rugby, with his exploits in Sydney earning him a Wallabies call-up in 2021. Having made his debut off the bench against Wales in Cardiff, he would go on to win nine caps over the next two years - with the last of those coming in the 2023 World Cup in France. His solitary try for Australia against France ended up being nominated for World Rugby's try of the year.
“This is another great bit of news for the club and our supporters,” said Ospreys head coach Jones. “Lalakai is an experienced international who can immediately make a real contribution for us both on and off the field. He’s a real all-rounder at centre with what he can offer on the ball and in defence, and we feel he will add even further quality to our already talented group of centres. He’s got a few points of difference that will bring a new dimension to our attack, and we’re excited to utilise that. He’s a competitive, team-first character and his experience at the highest level will help us to accelerate the development of our younger backs, who we have extremely high hopes for over the coming seasons.”
