Hold onto your hats, rugby fans, because a major shake-up is brewing in the world of international rugby! Tom Willis’ departure from Saracens and England has sparked a frenzy of speculation, with one name rising to the top as his potential successor: All Blacks and Blues back-row powerhouse, Hoskins Sotutu. But here's where it gets controversial – could this Kiwi star really swap the black jersey for the white rose? And this is the part most people miss: Sotutu’s eligibility to play for England, Fiji, or even stick with New Zealand, thanks to World Rugby’s birthright transfer rules, adds a layer of intrigue to this saga.
Over the weekend, Saracens confirmed that Willis, their star number eight, will be leaving the Gallagher Premiership at the end of the season to rejoin Union Bordeaux-Begles in France. The 26-year-old had a stellar return to the Premiership, becoming a regular starter under Steve Borthwick and featuring prominently in England’s Six Nations campaign and Tests against Argentina. However, his decision to return to France has seen him omitted from Borthwick’s initial squad for the Autumn Nations Series, leaving a gaping hole in England’s lineup.
Enter Hoskins Sotutu, the 27-year-old Auckland-born forward who, despite his All Blacks pedigree, has yet to feature under new head coach Scott Robertson. His last Test appearance was back in 2022 under Ian Foster, and with his three-year stand-down period nearly complete, he’s free to switch international allegiance. This has reignited rumors of a move to the Premiership, with Saracens, Leicester Tigers, and Gloucester all reportedly in the running. But here’s the kicker: England are said to be sweetening the deal with an Enhanced Elite Player Squad contract worth around £150,000, making the move north even more enticing.
But is this a done deal? Not so fast. Sotutu’s eligibility for Fiji through his father and England through his mother adds a fascinating twist. Could he follow in the footsteps of other players who’ve switched international allegiance? Or will he stay loyal to the All Blacks, despite being overlooked in recent squads? This is where opinions will clash, and we want to hear from you – is Sotutu’s potential move a smart career choice or a missed opportunity for New Zealand rugby?
Leicester, who bid farewell to Springboks star Jasper Wiese last season, are in dire need of a back-row powerhouse, while Gloucester, having lost Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann, and Albert Tuisue, have the funds to make a big splash. Even Newcastle Red Bulls, despite the strong performances of veteran Amanaki Mafi, could enter the fray with their new investors ready to spend big. One thing’s for sure: the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific MVP won’t be short on suitors.
Earlier this year, Sotutu hinted at exploring his options, telling the New Zealand Herald, ‘My agent went to work and explored options.’ With his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues expiring in 2026, the clock is ticking. Will he take the leap to the Premiership and potentially don the England jersey, or will he stay put and fight for his place in the All Blacks squad? This is the million-dollar question that has the rugby world on the edge of its seat.
And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If Sotutu does make the switch, does it open the floodgates for more players to change international allegiance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments – this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
