"Springbok dream" - Five All Blacks could be swapping nations for the 2027 World Cup

Friday, 05 December 2025 at 04:57

byRugby Rucker

The 2023 Rugby World Cup delivered a surge of former All Blacks lining up for rival nations, injecting Kiwi class into new colours and shaking up the global pecking order.

With World Rugby’s eligibility rules allowing players to switch allegiance after a three-year stand-down—provided they qualify through ancestry or residency—the same storyline is set to unfold again ahead of the 2027 tournament.

A fresh crop of New Zealand-born stars could follow the trend, bringing experience, X-factor and serious firepower to nations outside the traditional black jersey.

Here are the standout names who could be poised to make a major impact in 2027.

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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), contracted through end of 2026

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

He is eligible for England via his mother, and Fiji via his father. Over the past year, Sotutu has been linked with a potential move to the Gallagher Prem, with multiple clubs reportedly monitoring his availability with Saracens currently leading the race.

Despite confirming he will stay with the Blues through 2026, the combination of transfer interest and World Rugby eligibility rules could allow him to switch nations in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, offering either England or Fiji a physical and skilful loose forward.

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.