England coach Eddie Jones is reportedly keen to find out if Blues tyro Hoskins Sotutu has playing for the beaten 2019 World Cup finalists on his mind.
Sotutu, who has been one of the hot properties both in regular Super Rugby and in Super Rugby Aotearoa for the Blues, revealed at a recent press conference that he was eligible for England through his mother.
The Daily Telegraph has said that Jones is keen to find out if Waisake Sotutu's 21-year-old son, who has played for New Zealand Secondary Schools and New Zealand Under-20, has any interest in throwing in his lot with England, as opposed to New Zealand or Fiji.
Jones hasn't been averse to picking talent experienced in the New Zealand system – former Blues mid-fielder Piers Francis and former Hurricanes blindside flanker Brad Shields being two players he has ushered into Test rugby.
The Telegraph pointed out that Sotutu would have to forsake his New Zealand connection and play in England's Premiership before he could be considered although a financial settlement would be needed to break his contract with the Blues.
Jones is looking to develop a high-tempo game for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and believes the skills Sotutu offers could be ideal for that approach.
The Telegraph said: "Sotutu would appear to offer the kind of all-court game that Jones is seeking. In six games this season, he has made 70 carries, beating 23 opponents and making 386m for his side.
"His lineout work is impressive while having played as a back during his school days, he has also demonstrated a range of kicking ability, creating a try with a grubber kick against the Waratahs before the lockdown and making a clearance kick from the base of a scrum against the Highlanders last week."