Gloucester Rugby are understood to be leading the chase to sign All Black star Hoskins Sotutu as the powerful backrower contemplates an international allegiance switch to England.

With big ball carriers Zach Mercer, Ruan Ackermann and Albert Tuisue all potentially leaving Kingsholm at the end of the season, the signing of Sotutu would significantly soften the blow and re-arm the Cherry and White pack with a primary ‘world-class’ carrier.

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Sotutu, 26, was named the Super Rugby Pacific MVP [Player of the Year] in 2024 after a barnstorming display at club level for the Blues who won the competition and was expected to tour with New Zealand this Autumn before injury ruled him out, however he was still fit enough to play in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) for Counties Manukau sparking rumours he is unvalued by All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Sotutu made his Test debut against Australia in 2020 and has earned a further 13 appearances for New Zealand but has not played for his country since 2022 and reports have circulated he has held talks with England head coach Steve Borthwick about switching his international allegiances as he qualifies to wear the red rose through is mother. Providing he doesn’t play for the All Blacks again, Sotutu would qualify to play for England from November 2025 after 36-months of having made his last international appearance. He also qualifies for Fiji through his international rugby playing father.

A potential move to the Premiership could see him earn one of England's new central contracts worth around £160,000 per year which could help grease the wheels in getting a deal done to bring the 6ft 4in powerhouse to the northern hemisphere, although Gloucester may face stern competition with both Saracens and Leicester Tigers also reported to be interested in adding Sotutu to their squads.

One stumbling block any club looking to land his services will be the fact he only signed a two-year contract extension with Blues in May of this year, in theory keeping him at the club until 2026.

The Cherry and Whites are known to be scouting potential backrow replacements for next season with the club linked with a move to add to their strong Welsh contingent by bringing in former Wasps openside Thomas Young.

Young, 32, is in the sweet spot of being an experienced Premiership operator, with four Welsh caps to his name, but is currently out of the picture with Warren Gatland meaning Gloucester won’t lose him to international duty. He is currently plying his trade for United Rugby Championship side Cardiff Rugby who he joined in 2022 following the demise of Wasps.

RugbyPass report Gloucester are also considering a move for Hollywoodbet Sharks blindside flanker James Venter. The South African has reportedly been tabled a £180,000-a-season deal to switch Durban for the West Country. Venter started in the number six jersey in last season’s Challenge Cup final 36-22 win over Gloucester at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.

Skivington is understood to also be looking to strengthen his squad at tighthead prop and lock, with another winger and centre potentially also on the wish list.