Hoskins Sotutu England rumours continue to swirl with Premiership club ‘leading the chase’ for Blues star’s signature – report

Hoskins Sotutu on the charge for the Blues.
Gloucester are ahead of the pack as English clubs attempt to prize Hoskins Sotutu away from New Zealand, according to a report.
With Zach Mercer rumoured to be moving to Toulon at the end of the season and fellow back-rowers Ruan Ackermann and Albert Tuisue also potentially departing, the Cherry and Whites are looking for a top-class replacement.
Although Sotutu has a deal in place at the Blues until 2026, there has been suggestions that the number eight is looking to depart New Zealand after being snubbed by All Blacks boss Scott Robertson in 2024.
Player of the year
The back-rower was named the Super Rugby Pacific MVP after a stunning campaign which saw him play a key role in their title success.
Robertson was less impressed, omitting the powerhouse from the squad for the mid-year series, but it was viewed as a shock decision.
The national team head coach was vindicated, though, as Wallace Sititi – the player chosen ahead of Sotutu – ended up starring for the All Blacks in 2024 and winning the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
It therefore means that Sotutu could well seek to leave New Zealand’s shores and switch his international allegiance to England.
The number eight has an English mother and, providing he does not represent the All Blacks next year, he will complete his three-year stand down period in November 2025 and will be eligible to represent the Red Rose.
That has put Premiership clubs on high alert, with Leicester Tigers and Saracens said to be interested, but GloucestershireLive are claiming that the Cherry and Whites are ‘leading the chase’ for the Blues star.
Hoskins Sotutu attracts Premiership interest as All Blacks forward weighs up England switch – report
Steve Borthwick in contact
There still seems to be a way to go before a deal can be completed, especially due to the complexities around Sotutu’s Blues contract, but England head coach Steve Borthwick has reportedly been in discussions with the number eight about switching his Test allegiance.
RFU rules currently stipulate that players must ply their trade in the Premiership if they want to represent the Red Rose, which means the 26-year-old will need to sign a deal with an English club.
While Sotutu’s selection for the All Blacks XV squad – New Zealand’s second-string – in October suggests that he remains in Robertson’s thoughts, his withdrawal ahead of the start of the year-end campaign sparked rumours that he was seeking to depart New Zealand in the future.