Chiefs sign Lalakai Foketi for 2026 season

The Gallagher Chiefs have announced the signing of Australian international Lalakai Foketi for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Born in Hamilton, Foketi’s move marks a homecoming to Chiefs Country after an impressive career spanning Australia, New Zealand, and France.

Foketi first developed through the Chiefs pathways before making his Super Rugby debut with the Melbourne Rebels.

He later represented Bay of Plenty in New Zealand provincial rugby and built a strong reputation with the NSW Waratahs in Australia.

The 30-year-old has earned nine Test caps for the Wallabies and also spent time in France playing for Aviron Bayonnais.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said Foketi’s arrival adds valuable international experience and leadership to the midfield.

“Lalakai is a quality player who understands the Chiefs culture. We’re excited to welcome him back and look forward to seeing his maturity on and off the field,” Gibbes said.

Foketi expressed his enthusiasm for returning to where his rugby journey began.

“I’m really excited to be coming back to where it all began and be a part of the chiefs family” Foketi says.

“A massive thank you to everyone in the organisation for allowing me to come back and test myself to be a better player and person in 2026. I can’t wait to get stuck in”