Hoskins Sotutu has caught the attention of Gallagher Premiership clubs Saracens and Leicester Tigers following his discussions with England coach Steve Borthwick regarding a potential switch from representing the All Blacks. The 2024 Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, who last played for New Zealand in November 2022 against England, declined an opportunity for a recall to the All Blacks for their upcoming autumn tour in Europe after being dropped earlier this year.
Sotutu’s contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union runs until the end of next year, but he would be eligible to play for England in 2025 according to World Rugby regulations. While he cannot make an immediate move, both Saracens and Leicester Tigers have shown interest in signing him from the Blues, where he has tallied 27 tries in 67 appearances. Saracens are looking to fill the gap left by Billy Vunipola’s departure to Montpellier, and Leicester recently lost Jasper Wiese to Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan.
Sotutu qualifies for England eligibility through his English mother, while his father Waisake hails from Taviya in Bua. Waisake, also a former player for the Blues, represented Fiji in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.