All Blacks star could swap nations and play for England very soon

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 at 06:20

byRugby Rucker

Gloucester are leadng the race to sign All Black backrower Hoskins Sotutu, as the powerful forward considers switching his international allegiance to England, according to
Gloucestershire Live.

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A Cherry and White Reinforcement?

With Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann, and Albert Tuisue all leaving Kingsholm at the end of last season, securing Sotutu would be a game-changer for Gloucester.

Known for his destructive ball-carrying, the 26-year-old would re-energize the Cherry and White pack and bring a "world-class" edge to their forward line.

Super Rugby’s Best

Sotutu capped a sensational 2024 by being named Super Rugby Pacific MVP after spearheading the Blues to the title. While an injury ruled him out of New Zealand’s Autumn tour, he returned to star for Counties Manukau in the NPC, sparking rumours that All Blacks coach Scott Robertson might not see him as a key part of his plans.

Switching Sides?

Sotutu made his Test debut in 2020 against Australia, earning 13 caps for New Zealand. However, his last appearance came in 2022, meaning he could qualify to represent England this month under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule.

Eligible through his English mother, Sotutu is also qualified to play for Fiji, his father's home nation.

Reports suggest Sotutu has already spoken with England head coach Steve Borthwick, and a move to the Prem could pave the way for an England call-up. He'd be the perfect replacement for Tom Willis.

With central contracts worth £160,000 a year now on offer, the 6ft 4in powerhouse might find the northern hemisphere an attractive prospect.

Battle for a Big Name

While Gloucester are reportedly favorites, they’re not the only club keen on Sotutu. Newcastle Red Bulls, Saracens and Leicester Tigers are also said to be in the hunt, setting the stage for a fierce transfer battle.

The biggest roadblock could be that Sotutu is under contract with New Zealand rugby until 2026 with no break clause meaning the potential England star will have to wait another year until he can consider a move to the Northern Hemisphere.

"Childish" - Six England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick

His treatment of Tom Willis has sparked debate across the rugby world, with TNT Sports pundit Austin Healey calling it “childish” for the head coach to ignore form players in key positions.

From a once-undroppable fullback to a powerhouse No 8 and a winger once compared to Jonah Lomu, here are the stars who’ve slipped out of favour under Borthwick’s rule.

Tom Willis

Club: Saracens → Bordeaux Bègles (2025)
Caps: 8

Despite still being fully eligible for England, Tom Willis has effectively been blacklisted by Steve Borthwick. The England boss has refused to pick the powerhouse No 8 for the rest of the season — even though Willis is on a £160,000 enhanced Elite Player Squad contract.

The 26-year-old will leave Saracens for Bordeaux Bègles next summer, but his omission from the latest training squad shows just how ruthless Borthwick can be. Willis starred for England last year, starting six Tests and carrying that form into the new Premiership campaign.

Former England international Austin Healey branded Borthwick’s stance “childish,” pointing out that Willis is England’s only true specialist No 8.

RUCK Verdict: Still eligible, still in form — yet frozen out. If this isn’t personal, it sure looks like it.

Freddie Steward

Club: Leicester Tigers
Caps: 36

Once an automatic pick, Steward was the definition of reliability — calm under the high ball and rock-solid in defence. But Borthwick’s decision to experiment with Marcus Smith at fullback has seen the Leicester man pushed aside.

Still in the wider squad but without a central contract, Steward’s spot is no longer secure.

RUCK Verdict: Harsh on one of England’s most dependable defenders — punished for consistency, not complacency.

Zach Mercer

Club: Toulon (joined 2025)
Caps: 2

Mercer’s move back to France with Toulon ends any short-term England hopes. After tearing up the Top 14 with Montpellier and being crowned Player of the Year, his return to Gloucester was supposed to relaunch his Test career.

Instead, Borthwick barely looked his way. Now, by heading back across the Channel, Mercer has effectively ruled himself out of England selection under current RFU policy.

RUCK Verdict: England’s loss, Toulon’s gain — one of the most dynamic No 8s around.

Joe Cokanasiga

Club: Bath Rugby
Caps: 16

It’s been eight years since Cokanasiga first pulled on an England shirt. The comparisons to Jonah Lomu were unfair, but his blend of pace and power is still unmatched.

He’s shown flashes for Bath, but inconsistency and injuries have stopped him cementing a Test spot. Borthwick remains unconvinced.

RUCK Verdict: The fans adore him — the coaches don’t. Time is running out to prove them wrong.

Ollie Hassell-Collins

Club: Leicester Tigers
Caps: 2

Hassell-Collins burst onto the scene with two caps in the 2023 Six Nations, only to vanish from the picture just as quickly.

There was even talk of a Wales switch through family heritage, but his recent England A appearance locks him into red-rose eligibility for now. Despite great form for Tigers, Borthwick isn’t biting.

RUCK Verdict: The raw pace and finishing are there — England just aren’t calling.

Tom Pearson (25)

Club: Northampton Saints
Caps: 1

One of the Premiership’s best young flankers, Pearson continues to bang on the door. He’s excelled for Northampton but can’t seem to convince Borthwick he’s the man for the job.

Others have leapfrogged him into recent squads, leaving Pearson stuck on one cap since 2023.

RUCK Verdict: The potential is obvious — but the England back-row queue is brutally long.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!

"Childish" - Six England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick

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