Richie Mo’unga – Fly‑Half / First Five – Tonga or Samoa
Position: Fly-Half / First Five
Height / Weight: ~1.78 m / ~85 kg
All Blacks Caps: 56 Tests (2017–2023)
Club Plan: Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan), returning to NZ from July 2026 on an 18-month deal
Bio & Eligibility:
Richie Mo’unga (born 25 May 1994, Christchurch) is a world-class playmaker with excellent vision, tactical kicking, and game management.
After leaving New Zealand for Japan post-2023 World Cup, he has agreed to return on an 18-month contract starting July 2026, making him eligible for All Blacks selection from October 2026.
Through his parents, he is also eligible to represent Tonga or Samoa (mother Samoan, father Tongan) — meaning he could, in theory, represent one of those nations by 2027 if he chooses not to rejoin the All Blacks.
Hoskins Sotutu – Flanker / Number 8 – England or Fiji
Position: Flanker / Number 8
Height / Weight: 192 cm / 106 kg
All Blacks Caps: ~14
Club: Blues (NZ) (joining Newcastle Red Bulls in 2026)
Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
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.
He is eligible for England through his mother and Fiji through his father. After attracting strong interest from clubs across the Gallagher Premiership, Sotutu has agreed a move to Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026, securing his future in the northern hemisphere.
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 2027 Rugby World Cup, offering both nations a powerful and skilful loose forward option.
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