Rugby: Former All Black Steven Luatua extends Bristol deal

  • 28/12/2018
Steven Luatua.
Steven Luatua. Photo credit: Getty

Former All Blacks loose forward Steven Luatua has signed a two-year extension with the Bristol Bears in England through to 2021.

The 27-year-old joined the club for the 2017-18 season after playing 15 tests for the All Blacks and being a Super Rugby regular with the Blues, and with Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Since arriving, Luatua has played 23 games for the Bears, helping the club earn promotion to the English Premiership in his first season.

"It's a privilege to commit my future - it's an environment that is getting the best of out of me," said Luatua.

"There is huge ambition at the club to keep progressing and getting better, I'm excited to be a part of that."

Luatua has made a big impression with Bristol's coach, former NZ player Pat Lam, who is pleased to have to have locked down the former New Zealand international for a further two years.

"Steve is a pivotal character for us, on and off the field. His influence around the training ground and his performances on the field have earned him the respect of players, staff and supporters," Lam said.

"Securing his commitment at this early stage underlines the belief that we have within the club about what we can achieve. We're looking forward to seeing Steve continue to drive our progress towards our vision."

Even though Luatua has extended his stay in Europe, he still has a desire to play for the All Blacks again, telling the Mail on Sunday earlier in 2018 he would like to represent his country at a World Cup.

"Giving up the All Blacks jersey, especially ahead of the Lions tour, was the hardest part. I do have ambitions to play at a World Cup, maybe in 2023," he said.

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