Hoskins Sotutu has gained the attention of top Gallagher Premiership teams Saracens and Leicester Tigers following discussions with England coach Steve Borthwick about the possibility of switching his international loyalty from New Zealand.
The 2024 Super Rugby Pacific player of the year last played for the All Blacks in November 2022 against England at Twickenham, and recently declined an invitation for a recall to the All Blacks for their autumn tour in Europe after being dropped earlier this year.
Having played a key role in helping the Blues secure the Super Rugby Pacific title this year, Sotutu is eligible to represent England in 2025, according to World Rugby regulations, though he is contracted with New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2024.
Despite not being available for an immediate move, both Saracens and the Tigers are interested in securing his services. Saracens are looking to fill the gap left by Billy Vunipola’s departure to Montpellier, while Leicester has lost Jasper Wiese to Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks.
Sotutu qualifies to play for England due to his English mother, while his father, Waisake, hails from Bua in Fiji. Waisake is a former utility back for the Blues and represented Fiji in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.