Former All Black Hoskins Sotutu has stepped closer to an unprecedented switch of allegiances after confirmation of his move to English club Newcastle.
The Newcastle Red Bulls announced the signing of the 14-test No. 8 for next season and accelerated the chances of him playing for England ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Sotutu last played for the All Blacks under lan Foster in 2022 - his final test was a 25-25 draw against England at Twickenham - but the 27-year-old has not been selected since Scott Robertson became coach last year.
His prospects of representing the All Blacks again dimmed when he was overlooked in Robertson's first squad, despite being named Super Rugby Pacific's player of the year in 2024 when the Blues won their first major title in 21 years.
Sotutu who is eligible for Fiji through his father Waisake, qualifies for England through his mother Adelita.
World Rugby allows players to switch to another nation after completing a three-year stand down period.
In England, players must be operating with an English club to be eligible in test rugby and Sotutu would be available once his contract with Newcastle begins.
England are yet to select a player who has represented another national at senior level in the modern era and Sotutu could be the first, although he will have to fight hard to earn his spot because England have a strong group of loose forwards.
Steve Borthwick's side have been on a run of hot form this year winning 11 tests in a row and beating the All Blacks 33-19 at Twickenham.
Source: Stuff.co
