Former All Black Hoskins Sotutu is once again being linked with a move to the Gallagher Premiership when his contract with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby expires in 2026.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The Auckland-born No. 8, 27, is a versatile international prospect, eligible for three countries:
New Zealand (birth)
Fiji (father Waisake)
England (mother Adelita, Director of Sport at Howick College, Auckland)
He has made 80 appearances for the Blues and earned 14 caps for the All Blacks, with his last appearance ironically coming against England in November 2022.
Sotutu declined a recall for the 2024 All Blacks autumn tour — widely seen as keeping his options open.
Career Highlights
2024 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year
NPC experience: Auckland & Counties Manukau
Featured for AUNZ Invitational XV vs British & Irish Lions
Known for ball-carrying, physicality, and work-rate
Premiership Links
Sotutu has attracted strong interest from several top English clubs:
Gloucester: Linked after losing Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann, and Albert Tuisue
Saracens: Reportedly favourites after Tom Willis confirmed his move to Bordeaux
Other interested clubs: Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers
He could also be offered an Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract (£150,000 per year) to make a Premiership move more appealing.
International Outlook
Sotutu could qualify to represent England by November 2025 under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule.
Highly regarded by England head coach Steve Borthwick, he has reportedly already spoken with the coach.
A move to the Premiership could pave the way for an England call-up, potentially making him the perfect replacement for Tom Willis.
Transfer Notes
Sotutu’s agent has been actively exploring overseas opportunities
Declined All Blacks recall to keep international options open
EDITORS PICKS:
Like this:
Like Loading…