The NSW Waratahs have continued to shape their roster ahead of the 2022 season, locking in the services of Lalakai Foketi for a further season.
The talented Waratahs centre, currently in Dave Rennie’s Wallaby squad for the French series, has penned an extension to his existing deal ensuring he will wear the Sky Blue to at least the end of the 2022 season.
The former the Australian U20 representative got his first taste of Super Rugby in Melbourne with the Rebels before three seasons with the Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup, as well as a season in France with Bayonne.
Foketi would make his debut for the NSW Waratahs in 2018 under Daryl Gibson, playing 12 matches in his first season for the side and has established himself as a mainstay since.
In a difficult season for the NSW Waratahs in 2021, Foketi has been a shining light, forming an exciting partnership with Izaia Perese in the midfield, ultimately earning a call up to Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squad for the inbound French series.
The NSW Waratahs centre was proud to extend his stay in NSW and is excited at what lies ahead for the team in 2022.
“I’m loving playing at the Waratahs and deciding to extend my time here for another season was an easy decision,” Foketi said.
“Although it hasn’t been the best season in terms of results, I feel we’re definitely heading in the right direction.
“It’s an extremely tight knit group at the Waratahs and there is a real sense of excitement about what this team can achieve next season.”
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn was thrilled to retain the services of one of the sides strike weapons ahead of the 2022 season.
“We are thrilled to extend Lalakai’s deal and lock in his services to the Waratahs for another season,” Doorn said.
“He has improved year on year and has been one of our strongest performers for us this season and his partnership with Izaia Perese in the midfield has been a real spark for the side.
“He thoroughly deserved his selection in the Wallabies squad for the French series and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the Test arena if given the opportunity later this year.
“Lalakai is one of many exciting players we will be announcing, that will feature for the Waratahs in 2022, as we continue to lock in our roster.”
