More than just two Sotutus are celebrating dual triumphs at the weekend, and one member of this local sporting family is especially proud.
“We have four pretty cool kids and two of them certainly have taken their opportunities in sport and excelled,” says Adelita Sotutu, director of sport at Howick College and mother of Hoskins (rugby) and Teuila (netball).
“I’m as proud as any mum ever could be – it was awesome to see the Blues finish off an amazing season and then to see my daughter get the silverware with the Northern Comets.”
On Saturday, Hoskins helped ensure the Blues claimed the Auckland-based franchise’s first Super Rugby title (aside from 2021’s Trans-Tasman affair) in more than 20 years, downing the Chiefs 41-10 at Eden Park.
But there’s more to this tale – the following day, Teuila courted victory as netball’s Comets (a feeder team for the Northern Stars) defeated Wellington’s Central Manawa (56-51) in the Netball National League final in Porirua.
Surprisingly, Hoskins has not made the cut for Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson’s newly named All Black squad. However, it’s likely this dynamic loose forward will be back in black in future.
“He went from being one of the top flankers to not making the team, so we were gutted for him.”
As for Teuila, she is expected to excel in Marist’s championship rugby sevens side again later this year but her hoop dreams are far from done.
“She didn’t get an opportunity with the Stars this year or last – she had a training contract then did her ACL during preseason,” her mum explains.
“But If she gets more opportunities at ANZ [Premiership] level then she definitely could [become a Silver Fern].
“There’s masses of talent out there but, for me, it’s all about giving them an opportunity and see how they go.”
A veteran at spotting rising stars (and comets), Adelita confirms her husband is equally delighted with their children’s recent successes.
A former flying Fijian winger, Blues original and journeyman coach, Waisake, has recently joined the roster at Howick College.
“He works in the sport department with me; he started here this year,” Adelita laughs. “So yes, I’m his boss twenty-four-seven now!”
To read more about this sporting dynasty, see our feature articles: Hoskins Sotutu (2019), Waisake Sotutu (2016).
