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Lalakai Foketi

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Lalakai Foketi
BERJAYA
Foketi with the Greater Sydney Rams in the National Rugby Championship
Full nameLalakai Louis Arapeta Foketi
Born (1994-12-22) 22 December 1994 (age 31)
Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
Height1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)[1][2]
Weight101 kg (223 lb; 15 st 13 lb)[1]
School
Rugby union career
Position Centre
Current team Ospreys
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Manly 2 (0)
2018–2020 Eastern Suburbs 13 (35)
2014 Rebels 2 (0)
2014 Greater Sydney Rams 4 (0)
2014–2015 Bayonne 9 (0)
2015–2017 Bay of Plenty 30 (75)
2018–2025 Waratahs 83 (45)
2019 Sydney Rays 4 (25)
2026 Chiefs 9 (5)
2026– Ospreys 0 (0)
Correct as of 15 June 2026
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2014 Australia U20 4 (23)
2022 Australia A 3 (0)
2021–2023 Australia 9 (5)
2025 First Nations & Pasifika XV 1 (0)
Correct as of 15 June 2026

Lalakai Louis Arapeta Foketi (born 22 December 1994) is a professional rugby union player who currently plays as a centre for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Born in New Zealand, he has represented Australia at international level.

Career

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Early career

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Foketi was named in the Melbourne Rebels extended playing squad for the 2014 Super Rugby season.[3]

He was not expected to feature much during his debut season, however a spate of injuries to Rebels backline players saw him earn a first Super Rugby cap against the Waratahs on 23 May 2014.[4]

Foketi was an Australia Schoolboys representative in 2012,[5] and played four matches for the Australia under-20s side at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France.[6] He also played four matches in the 2014 tournament in New Zealand.[7][8]

Bayonne

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In June 2014, Foketi was announced as a new signing for Bayonne in the South of France ahead of the 2014–15 Top 14 season.[9] Foketi had failed to break through the domestic rugby of Australia, having played just six professional matches by the time of his transfer.[10] Foketi played a total of nine games for Bayonne across the Top 14 and Challenge Cup competitions.[11]

NRC and NPC

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In 2015, Foketi transferred to the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition (known as the Mitre 10 cup).[12] While there he became a mainstay throughout 2015 and 2016. By 2017,[13] Foketi had played in 30 matches, and scored 15 tries.[14] During his tenure in New Zealand, Foketi had also played various stints at the Greater Sydney Rams in Australia's National Rugby Championship (NRC).

Waratahs

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In the 2018 Super Rugby pre-season, Foketi, whom was 23-year-old, transferred to the New South Wales Waratahs.[15] Foketi was one of several young players that had arrived at the team following the axing of the Perth-based Western Force.

Lalakai Foketi made his Waratahs Super Rugby debut in the 2018 season opener against the Stormers on 24 February 2018, starting in the midfield alongside veteran Australia international Kurtley Beale.[16] In his first year, he featured in 13 matches (starting in five), scoring two tries.[11] The Waratahs finished third on the overall ladder, and lost in the semi-finals to the Lions 44–26 in Johannesburg.[17] It was the first Waratahs finals appearance, and semi-final, since 2015.[17]

Foketi's contract with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia was extended on several occasions, including agreements signed in 2021,[18] 2022,[19] and 2023,[20] the latter was through the end of 2025.

In February 2024, during pre-season training at the Waratahs' training ground in Daceyville,[21] Foketi suffered a neck injury.[22] He was cleared for any serious neck issues and returned to the squad after five weeks.[22] He went on to make 10 appearances without scoring a try[11] amid form struggles and a disappointing campaign for the Waratahs overall.[23] The Sydney Morning Herald later dubbed it "a year from hell" and "the worst season of his career".[24] In 2025, he appeared in nine matches,[11] with injuries, including groin and shoulder problems.[25]

Over his Waratahs tenure from 2018 to 2025, Foketi accumulated 85 appearances, scoring nine tries for a total of 45 points in the Super Rugby (including the Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman).[11] His overall appearances with the team peaked at 14 in the 2022 season,[11] where he started in every match (scoring three tries),[11] and made an additional seven appearances[11] for Australia's senior and second international teams during the year.[26]

[edit]

In December 2025, Code Sports and The Roar reported that Foketi had launched legal action against Rugby Australia (RA) and the Waratahs,[27] claiming he was wrongfully dismissed after his contract was terminated the previous month (November).[28][29] RA ended Foketi's contract without pay after determining he had breached its terms by travelling to New Zealand to undertake promotional activities with his new club, the Chiefs, before his Waratahs contract officially expired on 30 November.[29][28] Foketi had declined an unpaid early release, but his move to the Chiefs was publicly announced on 2 November. He was reportedly seeking approximately $50k+ in unpaid wages,[27] long-service leave entitlements, and additional damages.[29][28] He also stated that he had been told by Waratahs coach Dan McKellar that he was not required to attend pre-season training and could take time off with his family, and maintained that he continued to fulfil his contractual obligations, including returning to Australia for a promotional appearance in Perth, and notes that his Chiefs contract did not begin until 1 December.[29][28] Following the report with The Roar, Foketi said he had no intention of returning to play in Australia again.[29][28]

Chiefs

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On 30 May 2025, just before the conclusion of the 2025 Super Rugby season, Code Sports reported that Foketi was receiving offers from clubs in France and New Zealand.[30] In July the same publication revealed that Foketi had joined the Hamilton-based Chiefs team in New Zealand (later confirmed to be a one-year deal)[31] for their 2026 season.[32] Confirming earlier reports, Stuff added that Foketi would add depth to the Chiefs midfield for 2026 with the departure of veteran All Black Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi and Gideon Wrampling.[33] Foketi, speaking to the publication, stated that he was "really excited to be coming back to where it all began and be a part of the Chiefs family."[33]

Before the start of the 2026 season had kicked-off, Foketi was ruled out due to a knee injury, and was reported to be fit by round three.[34] Foketi returned from injury and was named in their round three Grand Final rematch squad against the Crusaders at home.[35] Foketi played in the Chiefs' following two matches,[11] starting against the Moana Pasifika, and scoring a try in the 32nd minute in a bonus point win.[36] After playing just three games, Foketi was ruled out due to a hand injury.[37] He did not return until Anzac/Super Round.[11] Since returning, Foketi became a strong substitute player for the Chiefs,[11] and was given a start in their semi-final clash against the Crusaders, which saw them win by 37 points to reach their fourth consecutive Super Rugby final.[38]

Ospreys

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On 12 June 2026, Foketi was announced by Welsh provincial club Ospreys as their newest signing ahead of the 2026–27 United Rugby Championship season alongside fellow Australian player Liam Wright.[39][40]

Personal life

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Foketi is of Māori and Tongan heritage.[41] He is married to a woman (Mason), and has two children.[31] In June 2026, Foketi and his wife announced their third child.[42]

References

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  1. 1 2 "Lalakai Foketi | 2026 Gallagher Chiefs Squad". chiefs.co.nz. Chiefs.
  2. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi | Player Profile | Wallabies". wallabies.rugby. Rugby Australia.
  3. ↑ "Rebels sign Australia Under-20's Lalakai Foketi". ESPN Scrum. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  4. ↑ "Rebels vs Waratahs 23 May 2014 Match Breakdown". SA Rugby. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  5. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi Melbourne Rebels Player Profile". Rebels Rugby. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  6. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi IRB JWC Player Profile". Rugby 365. Archived from the original on 25 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  7. ↑ "Queensland's Curtis Browning to Captain Australian Under 20s at IRB Junior World Championship". Rugby Australia. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  8. ↑ "McMahon leads junior Wallabies". Rugby 365. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  9. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi bayonnais la saison prochaine" [Lalakai Foketi will be a Bayonne player next season] (Press release) (in French). 23 June 2014.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi | Fiche, stats et carriere". itsrugby.fr (in French). It's Rugby.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Lalakai Foketi: Stats – All Rugby". all.rugby. All Rugby.
  12. ↑ "Rugby: New-look Steamers begin preseason". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Media and Entertainment. 31 July 2015 – via Bay of Plenty Times.
  13. ↑ "Bay of Plenty Steamers squad announced". Ultimate Rugby. 8 August 2017.
  14. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi Stats, Teams, Records | Rugby Database". rugbydatabase.co.nz. Rugby Database.
  15. ↑ "Young talent returns to NSW" (Press release). New South Wales Rugby Union. 10 November 2017. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017.
  16. ↑ "NSW Waratahs claim thriling round one victory at Allianz Stadium". nsw.rugby. New South Wales Rugby Union. 24 February 2018.
  17. 1 2 Doran, Christy (29 July 2018). "Waratahs tamed by red hot Lions to set up rematch with Crusaders for Super Rugby honours". Fox Sports Australia.
  18. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi re-signs with NSW Waratahs". nsw.rugby. New South Wales Rugby Union. 19 July 2021.
  19. ↑ Payten, Iain (30 March 2022). "Hooper leads cavalry charge for Waratahs, Foketi re-signs for two years". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment.
  20. ↑ "Foketi remains a Tah for two more years". nsw.rugby. New South Wales Rugby Union. 7 June 2023.
  21. ↑ "Waratahs star reflects on 'scary' injury". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. 28 March 2024.
  22. 1 2 Payten, Iain (29 March 2024). "A Wallabies star heard a 'pop' in his neck. He feared he may not run with his kids again". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment.
  23. ↑ Drennan, Jonathan (1 June 2024). "'We've had a rough trot': Who is the coach to turn the Waratahs around?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment.
  24. ↑ Drennan, Jonathan (24 February 2025). "Freak neck injury, axed by Wallabies, sent off and a wooden spoon: Foketi fighting back after year from hell". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment.
  25. ↑ "Super Rugby Pacific Injury List: Round 16". super.rugby. SANZAAR. 28 May 2025. Jake Gordon will also miss out on the match due to a hamstring injury, with Lalakai Foketi also out with a shoulder issue.
  26. ↑ Williamson, Nathan (14 June 2022). "Australia A squad confirmed for Pacific Nations Cup". Rugby.com.au. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  27. 1 2 Pandaram, Jamie (12 December 2025). "Wallabies star Lalakai Foketi launches court action against Rugby Australia". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 Pandaram, Jamie (3 December 2025). "Lalakai Foketi declares he'll never play for Wallabies again amid bitter Rugby Australia legal row". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 Doran, Christy (12 December 2025). "'I'll never come back': Wallaby sues Rugby Australia after crossing the ditch to join rival Super club". The Roar.
  30. ↑ Pandaram, Jamie; Linden, Julian (30 May 2025). "Another Wallabies player is being chased by New Zealand Super Rugby clubs, while teenage star pursued by France". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
  31. 1 2 Pandaram, Jamie (3 November 2025). "Lalakai Foketi reveals real reason he is departing Australia to join the Chiefs". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
  32. ↑ Pandaram, Jamie; Linden, Julian (4 July 2025). "Lalakai Foketi set to join the Chiefs, following successful James O'Connor stint at Crusaders". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
  33. 1 2 "Chiefs sign Hamilton-born Wallabies midfielder Lalakai Foketi". Stuff. Stuff Ltd. 3 November 2025.
  34. ↑ Williamson, Nathan (11 February 2026). "Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Round One Injury/Unavailability List". Rugby.com.au.
  35. ↑ "Crusaders recover from early Chiefs blitz for victory in 2025 Final rematch". super.rugby. SANZAAR. 28 February 2026.
  36. ↑ Leolahi, Tuilagi William (7 March 2026). "Chiefs prove too strong for Moana Pasifika in nine-try win". Pacific Media Network.
  37. ↑ "All Blacks wing Leroy Carter at Centre for Gallagher Chiefs against the Force". chiefs.co.nz. Chiefs. 25 March 2026.
  38. ↑ Napier, Liam (12 June 2026). "Chiefs v Crusaders: Chiefs march into Super Rugby Pacific final with 37-point win". The New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Media and Entertainment.
  39. ↑ "Lalakai Foketi joins the Ospreys". ospreysrugby.com. Ospreys. 12 June 2026. Retrieved 15 June 2026.
  40. ↑ "Ospreys sign Australia centre Foketi". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 June 2026. Retrieved 15 June 2026.
  41. ↑ Wasiliev, Nick (20 July 2025). "Tupou, Beale headline First Nations & Pasifika XV team to take on Lions". Rugby.com.au. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  42. ↑ Pandaram, Jamie (11 June 2026). "Wallaby Lalakai Foketi welcomes daughter in same week as Super Rugby semi-final with Chiefs". Code Sports. News Corp Australia.
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