Ospreys sign Lalakai Foketi ahead of 2026/27 season
Ospreys sign Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi ahead of the 2026/27 season, adding Super Rugby and Test experience.
©Steve Haag
Ospreys have confirmed the signing of Australia international centre Lalakai Foketi ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The move follows the club’s earlier announcement that Wallabies back-row Liam Wright will also join the Welsh side next season.
Ospreys Sign Lalakai Foketi
Foketi joins Ospreys as an experienced midfield option with a strong background in Super Rugby and international rugby. Born in New Zealand, he originally came through the Chiefs pathway before making his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels in 2014.
He later moved to France with Bayonne before returning to Super Rugby in 2018. Foketi went on to make more than 80 appearances for the Waratahs before rejoining the Chiefs ahead of last season.
Wallabies Centre Adds International Experience
Foketi earned his Wallabies call-up in 2021 after strong Super Rugby form and made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff. He has since made eight senior international appearances for Australia.
The centre was also influential in the Chiefs’ semi-final win over the Crusaders this week, providing three try assists. That equalled the most by any centre in a Super Rugby match since 2020.
Mark Jones Welcomes Ospreys Signing
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said Foketi’s arrival was another positive step for the club and supporters. He described the centre as an experienced international who can contribute immediately on and off the field.
“This is another great bit of news for the club and our supporters. 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."
Foketi said he was pleased to join Ospreys and highlighted the club’s history, supporter passion and playing vision. He added that his focus would be on using his experience to help the team succeed.
“I’m really happy to be joining the Ospreys. 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".
