In-form Sotutu re-signs with NZR
Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu has rediscovered the form which got him selected for the All Blacks and has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for another two years.
The 25-year-old is top of Super Rugby Pacific’s tryscoring charts, level with Crusaders winger Sevu Reece on nine, and has been prominent in a dominant Blues pack in Vern Cotter’s first season in charge. His try-scoring feats are a somewhat rare distinction for a loose forward.
Sotutu was cut from Ian Foster’s All Blacks ahead of last year’s Rugby World Cup but is in contention for a test comeback under new national coach Scott Robertson, although he will have to impress forwards coach Jason Ryan.
His clash with Hurricanes No 8 Brayden Iose will no doubt be closely watched by Robertson when the second-placed Blues host the competition leaders at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Blues confirmed his re-signing through to 2026 on Thursday.
“I'm incredibly proud and honoured to extend my time with the Blues. This club feels like home to me, I’ve got a lot of mates here who I’ve played many seasons of rugby alongside,” Sotutu said in a statement.
Getting him to commit long-term is nothing but positive for the Blues, as the lure of lucrative contracts in Europe and Japan linger.
He has nonetheless given himself the option of looking offshore after 2026 if his test prospects are not bright ahead of the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Sotutu has the skill and handling abilities to complement his size and power.
“Hoskins can do things no other player in his position can do with ball in hand. His five-point contributions have helped us build scoreboard pressure and he’s getting regular turnovers at lineout and tackle situations,” Blues coach Cotter said in a statement.
“He’s building his performance from game-to-game and his consistency each week is remarkable considering he’s playing big minutes.”
Sotutu has played 14 tests since his breakthrough season in 2020 and last featured for the All Blacks in a 25-25 draw with England at Twickenham on their 2022 northern tour.
He has made 60 appearances for the Blues since his Super Rugby debut in 2019.
The Blues face the Hurricanes at Eden Park tomorrow afternoon, kicking off at 4:35pm.
They have an identical 9-1 record to the Canes but are one point behind them after 10 matches.