Hoskins Sotutu: England in ambush to get the All Blacks’ third row? – Fifteen Oval

Talented Blues flanker Hoskins Sotutu finds himself at the center of a battle between England and New Zealand. The 26-year-old, with already 14 caps for the All Blackscould well envisage a future under another jersey.

The English temptation: Borthwick in ambush

England, under the leadership of Steve Borthwickseems determined to integrate Sotutu into its ranks. Although the player is still engaged with the Blues until the end of the season, several English clubs, including Saracens and the Tigers the Leicesterare also trying to seduce him for the seasons to come. Borthwick, keen to strengthen its pack, would see in Sotutu a key element for the future of the XV of the Rose.

According to the Rugby Paperthis English attempt takes on all the more weight as Sotutu declined a recent summons of the All Blacks for fall testing, officially due to a knee injury.

A possibility of change in 2027

Despite these requests, an obstacle remains: Sotutu will not be able to change selection before 2027according to World Rugby rules. This blockage, however, does not prevent England from continuing to court the player, hoping to be able to integrate him into their longer-term plans.

The weight of competition in New Zealand

For the All Blacks, the situation is delicate. Although Scott RobertsonNew Zealand coach, minimizes the idea of ​​Sotutu leaving, competition within the group could weigh on the player’s future choices. Indeed, the depth of the New Zealand squad and the quality of young talent coming through the ranks could encourage Sotutu to reconsider its future in the shorter term.

The future of Sotutu therefore remains uncertain, but the rivalry between England and the All Blacks to secure his services adds an additional dimension to this international saga.