Hoskins Sotutu has caught the attention of Gallagher Premiership clubs Saracens and Leicester Tigers following discussions with England coach Steve Borthwick regarding a potential switch in his international allegiance from the All Blacks. The standout player, who was named the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific player of the year, last represented New Zealand in November 2022 during a Test match against England at Twickenham. Recently, he declined an opportunity to rejoin the All Blacks for their autumn tour of Europe after being dropped from the squad earlier this year.
Sotutu played a key role in helping the Blues secure the Super Rugby Pacific title this season and, although he is under contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2024, he would be eligible to represent England starting in 2025 under World Rugby regulations. There is interest from these top Premiership teams to sign him, particularly as Saracens have yet to find a replacement for departing player Billy Vunipola, who moved to Montpellier, and the Tigers are looking to fill the gap left by Jasper Wiese’s transfer to Japan.
Sotutu is eligible to play for England thanks to his English mother, while his father, Waisake, hails from Taviya in Bua, Fiji. Waisake, who played as a utility back, also represented Fiji in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.