NSW Waratahs and Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi is the latest player to commit long-term to Australian Rugby, inking a two-year extension.
Foketi is coming off a breakout 18 months in the gold jersey, making his debut in the final Test of 2021 against Wales.
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He then impressed in Super Rugby Pacific and Australia A, earning his maiden start against Argentina in San Juan before playing inside centre in both Bledisloe Tests in 2022.
“I’m super stoked to stay here at the Waratahs for the next two years. Sydney is home for me and my family and there’s nowhere else we would rather be," Foketi said in a statement.
“I feel the group we have here at the moment is yet to reach its full potential and I look forward to working hard with my teammates and the coaching staff to make that happen.
“I’ve had a small taste of Test Rugby over the past two years which has really lit a fire inside me to earn more opportunities at that level and I know I’ll need to continue to work hard to make that happen.”
Foketi's new deal is well deserved, with the 28-year-old taking the unconventional route to the Wallabies set-up.
Debuting for the Rebels in 2014, Foketi had stints in New Zealand and France befor returning home to Sydney in 2018.
“'La' is a quality man and a quality player," Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
"He’s got a strong carry, has good distribution and game sense and is one of our most solid defenders. He’s also very popular among the playing group.”
“His Rugby experiences from different competitions brings a real point of difference to our team, so to have him locked in for the next two years is a massive positive.”
“Lalakai is an experienced player who has all the attributes to be a standout centre at Test level," Wallabies coach Eddie Jones added.
“He’s also a strong communicator and to have him re-sign with Australian Rugby for two years is really positive.”
