Former All Black star holds talks with Steve Borthwick ahead of England switch

The 27-year-old, who won 14 caps for New Zealand between 2020 and 2022, has now completed the required three-year stand-down period to represent another nation under World Rugby regulations.

Sotutu qualifies for England through his English mother, while he could also represent Fiji through his father, former international Waisake Sotutu.

Reports previously suggested the powerful back-rower had spoken directly with England boss Borthwick about a possible switch.

However, Sotutu later clarified that discussions had been handled by his representatives.

“I can’t say I had a chat [to Borthwick], but my agent went to work and explored options,” he said.

Any potential move has become increasingly realistic after Sotutu agreed a three-year deal with Newcastle Red Bulls.

He will join the ambitious PREM Rugby club for the 2026/27 season after ending his long association with the Blues, where he established himself as one of Super Rugby's leading loose forwards.

Sotutu's arrival in England also removes a major obstacle to a potential Test call-up, with the RFU generally requiring players selected for the national side to be based domestically.

Borthwick already has significant competition in the back-row, but Sotutu would offer another powerful carrying option as England build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The former All Black was named Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year in 2024 but remained on the outside of the New Zealand Test set-up.

His move to Newcastle now means all eyes will be on whether an England opportunity follows.

Steve Borthwick’s side appear to have landed on the more favourable half of the draw, raising hopes of another deep run on the sport’s biggest stage.

From the pool phase to a possible final in Australia, here is England’s projected route through the tournament — and the major rivals who could stand in their way.

England have been drawn with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool F at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Although Wales are likely to strengthen by then, Steve Borthwick’s team will still be firm favourites to top the pool and advance to the round of 16 without major difficulty.

If England top their group, they will meet the Pool B runners-up in the round of 16. Pool B features South Africa, Italy, Georgia and Romania. The Springboks are expected to win the pool, meaning England would avoid the reigning back-to-back world champions, and the remaining teams are unlikely to pose a major threat.

Italy are the most probable candidates for second place. Although they are an improving side and far from a guaranteed victory, England should still be confident of beating them.

Italy’s defeat would set up a quarter-final against a runner-up from either Pool A or Pool E. Pool A includes the All Blacks and hosts Australia, raising the possibility of a rematch of the 2003 final between England and the Wallabies — a tricky prospect given Australia’s home advantage.

The Pool E runner-up is most likely to be Japan, though the USA or Samoa could also feature. Regardless, Australia are expected to progress, potentially paving the way for a thrilling showdown with a traditional rival.

If England can navigate the Wallabies without major setbacks, they should reach the semi-finals — at which point the outcome becomes far harder to predict. Their side of the draw will feature two third-placed teams and two pool winners, and it’s likely that one of those pool winners will progress to the semis.

That would mean facing the winner of either Pool C or Pool D. Argentina are favourites in Pool C, while Pool D could be topped by either Ireland or Scotland. Any of these sides would pose a significant test, but England would still back themselves to compete strongly against each of them.

And if they overcome their semi-final opponents, the most probable finalists waiting on the other side of the draw would be New Zealand or South Africa. Both are powerhouse rugby nations with exceptional squads, though South Africa have had the upper hand in recent years as back-to-back World Cup champions and current Rugby Championship holders.

That sets up the real possibility of a repeat of the 2019 final in Japan, where the Springboks claimed a 32–12 victory.

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