Steven Luatua re-signs with Blues until 2017

  • Breaking
  • 07/04/2015

Steven Luatua has bucked the trend of heading overseas and re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues for a further two seasons.

The Blues have recently lost two All Blacks in Francis Saili and Charles Piutau to Irish clubs, but the Super Rugby franchise received good news with 23-year-old signing on until 2017.

The 23-year-old loose forward has 14 Test caps to his name, but missed the All Blacks 2014 end of season tour and had to settle for a spot in the Barbarians.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan believes Luatua is still growing as a player, but already has great experience and knowledge of the game.

"Steven is a special player who matches his extraordinary skills with great character as a person, a physical presence and intelligence," said Kirwan.

"He has quickly become a key member of our leadership group and his maturity as a rugby player and a person definitely defies his years."

NZR General Manager Neil Sorensen backed up Kirwan's statement, saying Luatua is an important signing for the future of New Zealand rugby.

"Having Steven re-sign with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues is tremendous news," said Sorensen.

"He is still a young player but with more than 40 Super Rugby games and 14 Test matches already under his belt, he has already shown he has the skills and physical presence to succeed at the highest level."

While Luatua will be pressing for a place at the Rugby World Cup, his focus in the meantime will be helping the Blues (0-7) to their first Super Rugby win of the season.

The Blues return to Eden Park for the first time this season to play the Australian Conference leading Brumbies on Friday night, before traveling to play the Highlanders the following week.

3 News

source: newshub archive