A noticeable feature of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was the impact of former All Blacks representing new nations, adding depth and experience to emerging international sides. <\/p>\n
With eligibility regulations permitting players to switch countries after a three-year stand-down via ancestry or residency, the build-up to 2027 is likely to see an even greater reshaping of the international game.<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n Several high-profile New Zealand-born stars could once again represent other nations, offering skill, experience, and game-changing abilities to teams outside New Zealand. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a look at some of the most notable candidates who could make an impact in 2027.<\/p>\n Hoskins Sotutu \u2013 Flanker \/ Number\u202f8 \u2013 England or Fiji<\/p>\n Position:\u00a0Flanker \/ Number\u202f8<\/p>\n Height \/ Weight:\u00a0192\u202fcm \/ 106\u202fkg<\/p>\n All Blacks Caps:\u00a0~14<\/p>\n Club:\u00a0Blues (NZ) (joining Newcastle Red Bulls in 2026)<\/p>\n Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update: He is eligible for\u00a0England\u00a0through his mother and\u00a0Fiji\u00a0through his father. After attracting strong interest from clubs across the Gallagher Premiership, Sotutu has\u00a0agreed a move to Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026, securing his future in the northern hemisphere.<\/p>\n While he will remain with the Blues until then, the impending switch brings his international future into focus. Under World Rugby eligibility regulations, he could still qualify to represent either England or Fiji in time for the\u00a02027 Rugby World Cup, offering both nations a powerful and skilful loose forward option.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
Hoskins Colin Ryder Sotutu (born 12 July 1998 in Auckland) is a powerful, dynamic loose forward with a well-rounded game, known for his ball-carrying, offloading, and breakdown work. His pedigree includes New Zealand Secondary Schools and U20 representation.<\/p>\n