“Huge loss” – 5 All Blacks set to swap nations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 24 December 2025 at 21:47

byRugby Rucker

A noticeable feature of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was the impact of former All Blacks representing new nations, adding depth and experience to emerging international sides.

With eligibility regulations permitting players to switch countries after a three-year stand-down via ancestry or residency, the build-up to 2027 is likely to see an even greater reshaping of the international game.

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Several high-profile New Zealand-born stars could once again represent other nations, offering skill, experience, and game-changing abilities to teams outside New Zealand.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable candidates who could make an impact in 2027.

Hoskins Sotutu – Flanker / Number 8 – England or Fiji

Position: Flanker / Number 8
Height / Weight: 192 cm / 106 kg
All Blacks Caps: ~14
Club: Blues (NZ) (joining Newcastle Red Bulls in 2026)

Bio, Eligibility & Transfer Update:
Hoskins Colin Ryder Sotutu (born 12 July 1998 in Auckland) is a powerful, dynamic loose forward with a well-rounded game, known for his ball-carrying, offloading, and breakdown work. His pedigree includes New Zealand Secondary Schools and U20 representation.

He is eligible for England through his mother and Fiji through his father. After attracting strong interest from clubs across the Gallagher Premiership, Sotutu has agreed a move to Newcastle Red Bulls in the summer of 2026, securing his future in the northern hemisphere.

While he will remain with the Blues until then, the impending switch brings his international future into focus. Under World Rugby eligibility regulations, he could still qualify to represent either England or Fiji in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, offering both nations a powerful and skilful loose forward option.

Richie Mo’unga – Fly‑Half / First Five – Tonga or Samoa

Position: Fly-Half / First Five
Height / Weight: ~1.78 m / ~85 kg
All Blacks Caps: 56 Tests (2017–2023)
Club Plan: Toshiba Brave Lupus (Japan), returning to NZ from July 2026 on an 18-month deal

Bio & Eligibility:
Richie Mo’unga (born 25 May 1994, Christchurch) is a world-class playmaker with excellent vision, tactical kicking, and game management.

After leaving New Zealand for Japan post-2023 World Cup, he has agreed to return on an 18-month contract starting July 2026, making him eligible for All Blacks selection from October 2026.

Through his parents, he is also eligible to represent Tonga or Samoa (mother Samoan, father Tongan) — meaning he could, in theory, represent one of those nations by 2027 if he chooses not to rejoin the All Blacks.

Mark Tele’a – Wing – South Africa or Samoa

Position: Wing
All Blacks Caps: 19 tests (debut 2022)
Club / Move: Leaves Blues end of 2025 to play in Japan, making All Blacks selection unlikely if he doesn’t return

Bio & Eligibility:
Mark Evander Tele’a (born 6 December 1996, Auckland) is a dynamic winger with a powerful running style. His father is South African and his mother is Samoan, making him eligible for South Africa or Samoa.

Because NZ Rugby generally doesn’t select overseas-based players, his move to Japan could open the door to a switch — though his most recent All Blacks cap was in 2024/2025, so timing will be key.

Aidan Ross – Prop – Australia

Position: Loosehead Prop
Height / Weight: 189 cm / 111 kg
All Blacks Caps: 1 Test (vs Ireland, 2022)
Current Club: Queensland Reds from July 2025
Wallabies Caps: 2 (as of 2025)

Bio & Eligibility:
Aidan Ross was born in Gosford, NSW, Australia, but moved to New Zealand as a child. After his All Blacks debut in 2022, he is now eligible for Australia having completed the three-year stand-down. In 2025, he made his Wallabies debut, crossing the Tasman for a second time in his international career.

Ross brings scrummaging power and front-row experience, strengthening Australia’s pack with his Kiwi-honed skills.

Gus (Pita Gus) Sowakula – Flanker / Number 8 – Fiji

Position: Flanker / Number 8
Height / Weight: 195 cm / 110 kg
All Blacks Caps: 2 (2022)
Current Club: Clermont (France)
Fiji Caps: Debuted for Fiji in 2025

Bio & Eligibility:
Pita Gus Nacagilevu Sowakula (born 26 October 1994, Lautoka, Fiji) played for New Zealand (All Blacks) in 2022, earning two caps. After standing down, he made his debut for Fiji in 2025.

Known for his powerful carries, breakdown strength, and versatility in the back row, he adds both international experience and physicality to the Fijian pack.