Ospreys have made a significant statement of intent by confirming the signing of Australia international centre Lalakai Foketi. The experienced Wallaby, who has earned nine caps for his country, will arrive in Swansea for the 2026-27 season, bolstering the Welsh region's midfield options.
Foketi, currently with Super Rugby Pacific side Chiefs, will join a growing contingent of Australian talent at the Ospreys, with lock Ryan Smith and flanker Liam Wright also set to move to the club for the same season. This strategic recruitment drive signals the Ospreys' ambition to strengthen their squad with proven international performers.
The 31-year-old centre has a rich rugby background, having represented Australia Under-20s and made his Super Rugby debut for Melbourne Rebels in 2014. After a stint with French side Bayonne, he returned to New Zealand to play for Bay of Plenty before a long tenure with NSW Waratahs from 2018 to 2025. His international debut came in November 2021 against Wales in Cardiff, and he featured in three matches during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Foketi's current form remains strong, as evidenced by his crucial role in the Chiefs' recent Super Rugby semi-final victory over the Crusaders, where he provided three try assists – a joint record for a centre in a Super Rugby game since 2020. He is also set to participate in the Super Rugby final next weekend before making the move to Wales.
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating that Foketi is an "experienced international who can immediately make a real contribution for us on and off the field." Jones highlighted Foketi's all-round capabilities as a centre, noting his strong attacking and defensive attributes, and believes he will add "even further quality to our already talented group of centres." The coach also anticipates Foketi bringing a "new dimension to our attack" with his unique points of difference.
The Ospreys' pursuit of Australian talent doesn't appear to stop with Foketi, Smith, and Wright, as reports suggest the region is also interested in signing Australian fly-half Lawson Creighton, indicating a broader strategy to integrate international experience and skill into the squad.
Source: Ospreys Rugby