All Blacks star wants to swap nations to play for England at next World Cup
03/29/2025 02:50 AM
Blues powerhouse Hoskins Sotutu looks set to remain in New Zealand despite months of speculation linking him with a move to the Gallagher Premiership.
According to RugbyPass, hopes of seeing the dynamic number eight in England next season are rapidly diminishing, with his potential switch to play for England also hanging in the balance.
Who is Hoskins Sotutu?
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, 26-year-old Sotutu has been a standout performer for the Blues in Super Rugby since making his debut in 2019. The 6ft 4in, 110kg back-rower, known for his explosive carries and impressive offloading skills, quickly caught the attention of the All Blacks selectors. He earned his first cap for New Zealand in 2020 and has since made 18 appearances, scoring five tries.
Premiership move stalling?
Sotutu is currently under contract with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) until 2026, but his deal contains a break clause that would allow him to pursue residency in another country. Despite reported conversations with England head coach Steve Borthwick, a switch to England now seems unlikely.
Clubs circling – but time running out
Saracens, Leicester Tigers, and Gloucester were all believed to be in the race for his signature, with Gloucester emerging as the frontrunner. The Cherry and Whites are bracing for the departure of Zach Mercer to Toulon at the end of the season, while Albert Tuisue is being monitored by Provence Rugby, and Ruan Ackermann has been linked with a return to South Africa. Gloucester viewed Sotutu as an ideal replacement to bolster their back row, but that window appears to be closing.
International dilemma: England or Fiji?
Sotutu, whose father Waisake Sotutu earned 12 caps for Fiji, is eligible to represent the Pacific Islanders but has been heavily courted by England. A move to the Premiership could have paved the way for a lucrative Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EEPS) contract worth around £160,000 per year with England, but those hopes now seem to be fading.
Staying put in New Zealand?
RugbyPass sources indicate that Sotutu is now leaning towards staying in New Zealand, where he remains in contention for a place in the All Blacks squad ahead of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour. Unless there is a dramatic change of heart, Premiership fans will have to wait a little longer to see Sotutu in action on English soil.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
- David Flatman's Lions XV: A Bold Blend of Power and Flair
- Eben Etzebeth didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent
- Bonnie Blue in talks over shocking big money deal with rugby club
28 England players on Andy Farrell’s 75-man Lions watchlist
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there's no shortage of talent vying for a spot.
Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge
Ireland's Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland's Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales' Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
- Nicky Smith (Wales)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Bevan Rodd (England)
- Fin Baxter (England)
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position
Ireland's Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England's Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales' leading option.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Jamie George (England)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England's trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland's Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Will Stuart (England)
- Joe Heyes (England)
- Kyle Sinckler (England)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites
Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland's Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales' strongest option.
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Ollie Chessum (England)
- Courtney Lawes (England)
- David Ribbans (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine
Ireland's Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England's back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland's Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales' Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.
- Tom Curry (England)
- Ben Curry (England)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Sam Underhill (England)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Tom Willis (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
- Jack Conan (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
- Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post All Blacks star wants to swap nations to play for England at next World Cup appeared first on Ruck.
