Lalakai Foketi

Bayonne In June 2014, Foketi was announced as a new signing for Bayonne in the South of France ahead of the 2014–15 Top 14 season. Foketi had failed to break through the domestic rugby of Australia, having played just six professional matches by the time of his transfer. Foketi played a total of nine games for Bayonne across the Top 14 and Challenge Cup competitions.

NRC and NPC In 2015, Foketi transferred to the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition (known as the Mitre 10 cup). While there he became a mainstay throughout 2015 and 2016. By 2017, Foketi had played in 30 matches, and scored 15 tries. During his tenure in New Zealand, Foketi had also played various stints at the Greater Sydney Rams in Australia's National Rugby Championship (NRC).

Waratahs In the 2018 Super Rugby pre-season, Foketi, whom was 23-year-old, transferred to the New South Wales Waratahs. Foketi was one of several young players that had arrived at the team following the axing of the Perth-based Western Force.

Lalakai Foketi made his Waratahs Super Rugby debut in the 2018 season opener against the Stormers on 24 February 2018, starting in the midfield alongside veteran Australia international Kurtley Beale. In his first year, he featured in 13 matches (starting in five), scoring two tries. It was the first Waratahs finals appearance, and semi-final, since 2015. 2022, and 2023, the latter was through the end of 2025.

In February 2024, during pre-season training at the Waratahs' training ground in Daceyville, Foketi suffered a neck injury. He was cleared for any serious neck issues and returned to the squad after five weeks. The Sydney Morning Herald later dubbed it "a year from hell" and "the worst season of his career". In 2025, he appeared in nine matches,

Over his Waratahs tenure from 2018 to 2025, Foketi accumulated 85 appearances, scoring nine tries for a total of 45 points in the Super Rugby (including the Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman).

Legal dispute In December 2025, Code Sports and The Roar reported that Foketi had launched legal action against Rugby Australia (RA) and the Waratahs, claiming he was wrongfully dismissed after his contract was terminated the previous month (November). RA ended Foketi's contract without pay after determining he had breached its terms by travelling to New Zealand to undertake promotional activities with his new club, the Chiefs, before his Waratahs contract officially expired on 30 November. In July the same publication revealed that Foketi had joined the Hamilton-based Chiefs team in New Zealand (later confirmed to be a one-year deal) for their 2026 season. Confirming earlier reports, Stuff added that Foketi would add depth to the Chiefs midfield for 2026 with the departure of veteran All Black Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi and Gideon Wrampling. Foketi, speaking to the publication, stated that he was "really excited to be coming back to where it all began and be a part of the Chiefs family." Foketi returned from injury and was named in their round three Grand Final rematch squad against the Crusaders at home. Foketi played in the Chiefs' following two matches, After playing just three games, Foketi was ruled out due to a hand injury. He did not return until Anzac/Super Round.

Ospreys On 12 June 2026, Foketi was announced by Welsh provincial club Ospreys as their newest signing ahead of the 2026–27 United Rugby Championship season alongside fellow Australian player Liam Wright.

Personal life Foketi is of Māori and Tongan heritage. He is married to a woman (Mason), and has two children.

Career statistics Club updated|30 July 2026.