Former All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu, who was named the Player of the Season for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, is currently being considered by Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne. Along with Sotutu, Byrne is also eyeing fellow forwards Pita Gus Sowakula and George Bower, who have not represented the All Blacks in the last two years.

Sotutu last donned the All Blacks jersey during a 25-25 draw against England on November 19, 2022, which marks the date he becomes eligible to represent either Fiji or England. Meanwhile, Sowakula will be available for selection starting July 9, while Bower’s eligibility begins on November 19.

Byrne emphasized the importance of speaking to available players and gauging their interest in joining the Flying Fijians: “Players like that who have had an All Blacks career and do not work out for them might see this as an opportunity to represent their home country.” Sotutu is currently contracted with the Blues through to the end of the 2026 season, while Sowakula is competing in the French Top 14 with Clermont, and Bower is with the Crusaders.

This potential inclusion of former All Blacks into the Flying Fijians squad is significant, representing a broader trend where players are exploring diverse opportunities in international rugby due to changes in eligibility rules. Notably, former All Blacks center Seta Tamanivalu was among the first Fijian players to benefit from these eligibility changes in late 2021.

Looking ahead, the integration of high-caliber athletes like Sotutu, Sowakula, and Bower could immensely bolster the Flying Fijians’ prospects in upcoming competitions, enhancing their competitiveness on the international stage.

This development not only showcases the evolving landscape of rugby eligibility but also opens up exciting possibilities for Fijian rugby, marking a hopeful future as these talented players could contribute significantly to the national team’s success.