Sotutu, who is eligible to play for England, joins from Super Rugby outfit the Blues, after putting pen to paper on a three-year deal. He is the latest big name to join the Red Bulls revolution, following the likes of Tom Christie to the club.

The 2024 Super Rugby Player of the Year brings a wealth of experience with him to Kingston Park, following a successful stint in his native New Zealand. At the time of writing, he has notched 80 appearances for the Blues, scoring 31 tries in the process, and helped the Auckland-based side to a Super Rugby title in 2024.

Alongside that, he has also amassed 14 Test caps for the All Blacks. Commenting on joining the club, Sotutu said: "I am excited to be committing to Newcastle Red Bulls' project moving forward, and coming to compete in the Gallagher PREM week in, week out.

"The club made it clear to me how ambitious they are, and I am looking forward to getting started. I have enjoyed my time at the Blues and am looking to finish on a high before hitting the ground running in the North East of England."

Newcastle sporting general manager, Neil McIlroy, added: "This is a huge signing which brings major firepower into the club, and sends a message around the league.

"Hoskins is a player who was very much in demand from other teams, but he has seen what is being planned at Newcastle Red Bulls and wants to be part of it.

"He's an X-factor player who will make a big impact on the field, and the way he plays will get people off their seats.

"The profile of the club and the Gallagher PREM as a whole will grow massively as a result of him joining us, and this is a signing which shows we really mean business."

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