Why Hoskins Sotutu ‘turned down’ chance to play for All Blacks – report

Blues backrower Hoskins Sotutu has reportedly pulled out of All Blacks XV duty and declined the chance to play for the All Blacks due to a knee injury. Broadcaster James McOnie took to social media on Wednesday to share the update.

Sotutu was initially a headline-grabbing inclusion in the All Blacks XV’s 29-man squad for their upcoming two-match tour in Europe. The 26-year-old hasn’t played for New Zealand since a 25-all draw with England at Twickenham (now Allianz Stadium) in November 2022.

But, Sotutu’s return to the international arena could very well end up coming with the side the All Blacks played in that fixture amid rumours of an international allegiance switch. The loose forward is eligible for both Fiji and England, with the latter firming as a strong possibility.

Earlier this month, former All Black Akira Ioane shared a photoshopped image of Sotutu in an England jersey on social media. Steve Borthwick, Big Ben and a red telephone box were also in the image, which was accompanied by a fairly clear-cut message.

Ioane wrote, “Wasn’t meant to be but all things happen for a reason.” That post came after Sotutu – who was the Super Rugby Pacific MVP this year –  wasn’t included in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad for their upcoming Northern Tour.

It seems a change is now very much on the cards.

“Hoskins Sotutu has pulled out of the All Blacks XV due to a knee problem,” McOnie wrote on X. “It meant he also turned down the chance to play for the All Blacks against Japan next weekend.

“He’s still contracted to NZ Rugby, but could easily pick and go!”

Former Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui took to X in late June in a bid to convince Sotutu to switch allegiances at Test level. Raiwalui initially congratulated then-uncapped prospect Wallace Sititi on being selected for the All Blacks before mentioning the Sotutu.

In Super Rugby Pacific, Sotutu finished as the competition’s equal-top try-scorer with Crusaders wing Sevu Reece after crossing for 12 scores. Sotutu was also in the top 10 for both carries (153)  and offloads (21) during a standout season.

But, rather than being selected for international honours, the backrow enforcer suited up for North Harbour in New Zealand’s NPC. Sotutu’s strong form carried through the NPC season, with the former All Black crossing for three tries in eight appearances.