All Blacks and Blues back-row Hoskins Sotutu is being lined up as a potential replacement for Top 14-bound Tom Willis.
Over the weekend, Saracens confirmed that the number eight will be leaving PREM Rugby and return to France at the end of the current season, reportedly rejoining Union Bordeaux-Begles.
The 26-year-old has quickly become a regular starter under Steve Borthwick after a blockbuster return to PREM Rugby and featured in all five of England’s Six Nations matches this year, starting three times, and played both Tests against Argentina in July.
However, following the confirmation of his return to France next season, he has been omitted from Borthwick’s initial squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series with fixtures against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina.
Tom Willis’ successor?
Willis‘ impending departure has reignited rumours that Sotutu could be leaving New Zealand to take up a deal with a PREM Rugby club and Saracens are reportedly not the only suitors.
The 27-year-old has yet to play in a Test match for the All Blacks under head coach Scott Robertson, with his most recent appearance coming back in 2022 under Ian Foster.
This means that he has almost completed his three-year stand down period, which will allow him to switch international allegiance under World Rugby’s regulation nine regarding birthright transfers.
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The Auckland-born forward qualified for New Zealand by birth but could transfer to Fiji through his father Waisaki – who played rugby for the Pacific Island nation – and England via his mother, Adelita.
Last year, he opted to undergo surgery when the opportunity arose to join Robertson’s All Blacks squad and after being overlooked by the Test set-up again in 2025, Sotutu could jump ship when his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues expires in 2026.
According to a report by RugbyPass, England are positioning to swoop for the number eight to plug the void left by Willis and could offer a deal sweetener of about £150,000 through the Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract system.
This would be in addition to the club contract he would sign with the report linking him to Leicester Tigers, Saracens and Gloucester.
Saracens are drawing up a shortlist of potential targets to replace Willis next season and are understood to have previously expressed interest in Sotutu, which could now be rekindled.
Potential suitors for Sotutu
Leicester bid farewell to Springboks star Jasper Wiese at the 2023/24 season and haven’t made a big-name signing to replace the back-rower since his departure, while also losing ex-SA u20s forward Corne Beets.
As for Gloucester, they saw Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann and Albert Tuisue leave the club at the end of last season and were immediately linked with a move for Sotutu, having freed up funds to do so.
The report states that Sotutu is held in high regard by the England coaching team, who are willing to offer him the deal sweetener to make the move north more appealing.
Earlier this year, Sotutu confirmed that he and his agent were weighing up their options.
“I can’t say I had a chat [to Borthwick], but my agent went to work and explored options,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
Newcastle Red Bulls may also enter the mix for his services despite the strong performances of new signing Amanaki Mafi, who is in the twilight of his career at 35. The new investors did make new signings before the start of the season, but could really splash the cash, particularly once a permanent successor to Steve Diamond is confirmed.
Ultimately, the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific MVP won’t be short on suitors, particularly if his potential move is aided by an Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract.