Following on from the news that fellow Wallaby Liam Wright would be joining the club earlier this week, the Ospreys announced that Australian international Lalakai Foketi would be joining the team ahead of the 26/27 season.
Foketi, who was born in New Zealand and originally came through the Chiefs pathway, made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 for the Rebels, before later making a move to France to play for Bayonne. He then returned to Super Rugby in 2018 and made over 80 appearances for the Waratahs, eventually making the switch back to the Chiefs ahead of last season.
Having previously been referred to as one of the best strike centres in Super Rugby, Foketi was rewarded for his fine league form with a call up to play for the Wallabies in 2021, making his debut against Wales in Cardiff. He has since gone on to make eight appearances at senior international level.
Foketi was instrumental in the Gallagher Chiefs' semi-final win over the Crusaders this week, providing three try assists against their rivals. The joint most of any centre in a Super Rugby game since 2020.
Speaking on the move, Foketi said: “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.
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.”
Head Coach, Mark Jones, said: “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.
“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.”
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