Young Blues sensation Hoskins Sotutu has signed a new two-year deal with the Auckland-based team.

With the prospect of representing the All Blacks in the near future looming, the No 8 opted to extend his current deal with the Blues until 2022.

Earlier speculation began to mount regarding where Sotutu could play his international rugby after he told the Herald that he is eligible for selection in New Zealand, Fiji and England.

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That immediately prompted interest from England head coach Eddie Jones to include the 21-year-old in his plans for the next four years.

But, Sotutu will add even more depth to an already exciting batch of young players who have been firing recently in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

The loose forward has been pivotal in the Blues’ successful campaign so far this season and is looking forward to the challenge of making an even bigger name for himself in the years to come.

‘I have signed for two more years with the Blues, which is great,’ said Sotutu.

‘My goals are for the Blues to kick on in this competition how we left off before Covid-19, keep the team strong and help them continue to improve. It is all about the team for me. I don’t like to look too far ahead. I like to focus on the team I am playing for.’

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has also been optimistic about the potential he’s seen from Sotutu and how he could develop into one of best No 8s in New Zealand.

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‘He has a unique skill set which is well rounded. He has set up tries with his kicking and with accurate missed passes, yet he can do the core roles of carrying hard, offloading, making his tackles and an asset in the lineout,’ MacDonald said.

‘Hoskins got his chance with the work he did pre-season and has continued to deliver game in, game out, and he is developing from a very quiet teenager to a real contributor off the field also.

‘He has come out of the Blues and Auckland systems and if he continues to develop with the same attitude, he can look forward to a long and successful career with us.’