Former All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu, who was named the Player of the Season for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, is catching the interest of Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne. Also on Byrne’s radar are fellow forwards Pita Gus Sowakula and George Bower, both of whom have not been selected for the All Blacks in the past two years.

Sotutu’s last appearance for New Zealand was during a 25-25 draw against England on November 19, 2022, and he will be eligible to represent Fiji or England after this date. With Sowakula’s eligibility beginning on July 9 and Bower’s on November 19, 2025, Byrne is eager to assess their willingness to join the Flying Fijians.

Byrne remarked, “It’s important that we speak to everybody who is available to play for the Flying Fijians and find out their willingness.” He acknowledged the potential these players have to contribute to the national squad, especially considering their past experiences playing at the international level.

Sotutu currently plays for the Blues and is contracted through the end of the 2026 season, while Sowakula is with Clermont in France, and Bower is with the Crusaders. This potential shift in team dynamics represents an exciting opportunity for Fiji, which could benefit from the talents and experience of these athletes.

Additionally, this follows a broader trend in rugby where players are exploring alternative international representation, enhancing the competitiveness of the sport globally. Former All Blacks center Seta Tamanivalu was among the first Fijians to benefit from recent changes in World Rugby eligibility rules.

In summary, the integration of players like Sotutu, Sowakula, and Bower into the Flying Fijians could significantly strengthen the squad ahead of upcoming international competitions, showcasing the evolving landscape of rugby eligibility and national representation. This development offers a promising future for Fijian rugby and its supporters, as these high-caliber athletes bring their skills to the team.