The Ospreys have signed current Australia international Lalakai Foketi — the second Wallaby to join the club in the space of a week.
Foketi, a centre, arrives ahead of the 2026/27 season, days after fellow Australian Liam Wright signed from the Queensland Reds.
Born in New Zealand, Foketi originally came through the Gallagher Chiefs pathway before making his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels in 2014.
He later moved to France to play for Bayonne, before returning to Super Rugby in 2018 and making more than 80 appearances for the Waratahs.
He switched back to the Chiefs ahead of last season.
Once described as one of the best strike centres in Super Rugby, Foketi earned a call-up to the Wallabies in 2021 — making his debut against Wales in Cardiff.
He has gone on to win eight senior international caps.
His form has continued this season. The club said he was instrumental in the Chiefs’ semi-final win over the Crusaders this week, providing three try assists — said to be the joint-most by any centre in a Super Rugby game since 2020.
His arrival comes during one of the most turbulent periods in the Ospreys’ history.
The club has spent months under the shadow of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut the professional game from four regions to three — a restructure that has left every Welsh region facing questions over its future.
Last week the Ospreys signed Welsh rugby’s new Professional Rugby Agreement, ending months of uncertainty — though the deal keeps them tied to a timetable that could still see the number of regions reduced.
Against that backdrop, landing a current international is a notable statement of intent — and it comes as the club prepares to move into a redeveloped St Helen’s next season.
Foketi said he was happy to be joining a club with a proud history.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Head coach Mark Jones said the signing was another boost for the club and its supporters.
“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 said.
“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.”
