Foketi, 31, was born in New Zealand earlier than his household moved to Australia.
He performed for Australia Below-20s and made his Tremendous Rugby debut for Melbourne Rebels in 2014 earlier than leaving to play for French facet Bayonne later that 12 months.
Foketi returned to New Zealand the place he performed a few seasons for Bay of Loads within the Mitre 10 Cup competitors earlier than linking up with the NSW Waratahs from 2018 till 2025.
Foketi was given his first Australia cap as a alternative within the 29-28 defeat towards Wales in Cardiff in November 2021, earlier than showing thrice within the 2023 World Cup in France.
Foketi performed for the First Nations and Pasifika XV towards the British and Irish Lions on the 2025 summer time tour of Australia earlier than leaving Waratahs later that 12 months.
He joined Hamilton-based Chiefs for the 2026 marketing campaign and shall be concerned within the Tremendous Rugby closing subsequent weekend.
Foketi was instrumental within the semi-final win towards Crusaders with three strive assists, the joint most of any centre in a Tremendous Rugby recreation since 2020.
“That is one other nice bit of reports for the membership and our supporters,” mentioned Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.
“Lalakai is an skilled worldwide who can instantly make an actual contribution for us on and off the sector.
“He is an actual all-rounder at centre with what he can provide on the ball and in defence, and we really feel he’ll add even additional high quality to our already gifted group of centres.
“He is bought a number of factors of distinction that can carry a brand new dimension to our assault, and we’re excited to utilise that.”
