The Blues have locked in the services of star loose forward Hoskins Sotutu through 2022.
The 21-year-old has inked a new contract that will keep him with NZ Rugby for the next two years, adding to the initial deal he signed as a member of the Blues development programme.
Sotutu is in the midst of a breakout season for the Blues, where his strong play has been a major catalyst in the franchise's resurgence. His tackle count of 38 leads the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, while his almost 500m in running metres gained is good for fourth among all players.
England coach Eddie Jones was reportedly interested in recruiting the young prospect, but this new deal may have ended those hopes.
Sotutu is eligible for three test nations through his English mother and father Waisake Sotutu, who played for the Blues and Fiji, and his stellar form has already seen him earmarked for higher honours.
Coach Leon MacDonald says Sotutu's rapid rise has been one of the highlights of the season to date.
"He has a unique skillset, which is well-rounded," MacDonald notes. "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.
"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."
Softly-spoken Sotutu says he's pleased to have settled the formalities and focused on helping his surging side finish the season strongly.
"My goals are for the Blues to kick on in this competition how we left off before COVID-19," Sotutu says. "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."
Join us for live updates of Crusaders v Blues from 7pm Saturday
