Force thank departing Kaitu'u, Kalapu and Foliaki for service

The Western Force released Feleti Kaitu’u, Nikolai Foliaki and Felix Kalapu for their service following the conclusion of their contracts.

Kaitu’u departs the Force having captained the side in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, playing 61 times for the Club between 2018 and 2024, including 48 Super Rugby caps.

The 29-year-old hooker’s excellent form in the 2021 season led to his Wallabies debut against the Springboks, earning three caps in green and gold.

Kaitu’u said: “I’m grateful to have donned the Western Force blue and be part of the Western Australian rugby community for the past seven seasons.

“I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a part in this chapter of my journey. There are memories to last a lifetime. #168 signing out.”

Foliaki (two caps) and Kalapu (14 caps) both joined the Force prior to the 2023 season.

Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman said: “Feleti has been a loyal, committed member of the Force across seven years.

“He has made a significant contribution to this Club, earning Wallabies recognition during his time here and will go down in Force history as our sixth men’s captain. We wish him well for the next step in his career.

“Likewise, Nikolai and Felix have served the Club well and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”