Lalakai Foketi inks new deal with Waratahs

Waratahs have confirmed that centre Lalakai Foketi has penned a new one-year deal with the Super Rugby club.

Having started his Super Rugby career with Melbourne Rebels in 2014, the 26-year-old spent three seasons with Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup apart from a brief one-year stint with French club Bayonne.

Foketi head to Waratahs in the 2018 season and went on to play 12 matches for the club on his first season. He was called-up to the Australian squad by head coach Dave Rennie for the recently concluded series against France.

The 6ft centre also represented Australia Under 20 side in the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France and was an Australia Schoolboys representative in 2012.

“I’m loving playing at the Waratahs and deciding to extend my time here for another season was an easy decision,” Foketi said.

“Although it hasn’t been the best season in terms of results, I feel we’re definitely heading in the right direction.

“It’s an extremely tight knit group at the Waratahs and there is a real sense of excitement about what this team can achieve next season.”

NSW Waratahs chief executive Paul Doorn is 'thrilled' with Foketi extending his stay at the club for another season.

“We are thrilled to extend Lalakai’s deal and lock in his services to the Waratahs for another season,” Doorn said.

“He has improved year on year and has been one of our strongest performers for us this season and his partnership with Izaia Perese in the midfield has been a real spark for the side.

“He thoroughly deserved his selection in the Wallabies squad for the French series and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the Test arena if given the opportunity later this year.

“Lalakai is one of many exciting players we will be announcing, that will feature for the Waratahs in 2022, as we continue to lock in our roster.”