The blockbusting No.8 was among the headline grabbers during a busy recruitment campaign for the Kingston Park club – and with very good reason.
Twenty-seven-year-old Hoskins was an instrumental figure for the Blues as they reached the semi-finals of this year’s Super Rugby competition, playing in 13 of their games until they were edged out by eventual champions the Hurricanes at the penultimate hurdle.
Hoskins Sotutu in action for the Blues against Crusaders
© Getty Images
Bringing a potent blend of power, athleticism and ball-handling ability, the 6-foot-4 forward has been capped 14 times by New Zealand’s All Blacks.
Helping the Blues to the Super Rugby title in 2024 and winning the competition’s MVP award for that season, Sotutu’s signing was emblematic of Newcastle’s heightened ambition when it was originally announced just before Christmas.
The club made it clear to me how ambitious they are, and I am looking forward to getting started.
“I am excited to be committing to Newcastle Red Bulls’ project moving forward, and coming to compete in the Gallagher PREM week in, week out,” he said at the time.
“The club made it clear to me how ambitious they are, and I am looking forward to getting started.
“I have enjoyed my time at the Blues and am looking to hit the ground running in the North East of England.”
Red Bulls supporters will surely agree with that sentiment, and with season ticket renewals now on sale you can catch Hoskins and his team-mates in action throughout what promises to be a thrilling 2026/27 campaign.
Find out more about our 2026/27 season tickets by clicking below.