New Zealand has given a lifeline to Hoskin Sotutu after being overlooked in this year’s All Blacks duties.
Sotutu was named in the All Blacks XV squad for their two-match northern tour against Munster and Georgia next month.
The Blues strong man scored a Super Rugby Pacific competition record 12 tries by a forward during the Blues’ championship-winning season.
RNZ reported, “It had been rumoured that Sotutu might seek to switch allegiance to Fiji, where he is eligible through his father and former test player Waisake, or England through his mother Adelita”.
Also in the squad is Isaia Walker-Leawere, son of former Flying Fijians captain Kele Leawere.
Kini Naholo, the young brother of former All Blacks winger Kini, and Emoni Narawa were named as outside backs.
The “Humble Horse” George Bower, also nicknamed the “Fijian Bulldozer” was named one of the props.
