Apr 02 (V7N) - Hoskins Sotutu, overlooked by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, considered moving abroad last year but is now focused on helping the Auckland Blues recover in Super Rugby Pacific.

The 26-year-old loose forward, who last played for New Zealand in 2022, will become eligible to switch allegiance to England or Fiji in November, following World Rugby’s three-year stand-down rule.

Despite winning Super Rugby’s Player of the Year last season, Sotutu was frustrated by his exclusion from Robertson’s first All Blacks squads.

Although there were rumors of a meeting with England coach Steve Borthwick, Sotutu denied direct talks but confirmed that his agent explored opportunities.

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