Ex-All Black makes ‘easy decision’ on future with Premiership title chasers
Steven Luatua warming up for Bristol Bears.
Dual All Black and Samoan international Steven Luatua has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract extension to keep him at Bristol Bears for the 2025/26 campaign.
The 33-year-old joined Bristol from the Blues in 2017, and this weekend will make his 150th appearance for the West Country outfit.
Steven Luatua pens new Bristol Bears deal
Since arriving at Ashton Gate, the forward has helped bring Bristol back into the Premiership and was a key component of their 2021 table-topping side too, as club captain.
He also still continues to be a core part of the Bears’ pack, with 13 starts this season.
“I’m really pleased that Stevie has committed to extend his stay here in Bristol,” boss Pat Lam said on Luatua’s new deal. “Although the club has come on leaps and bounds since his arrival at a Championship side in 2017, he has a real determination and hunger to help the club to the next level and win more trophies.
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“As we all know, he is a key influence on and off the field and his experience, leadership and world class ability will continue to be crucial to the development of our young squad.”
Also commenting on his new deal, Luatua said: “I’m proud to represent this club and city, so it was an easy decision to sign an extension with the Bears for a ninth season.
“Bristol has become home for me and my family and I’m grateful to the community for making us feel so welcome here over the past eight years.
“On the field, I’m excited by the potential of our young and hungry squad and excited to see what we can accomplish this season and in the future.”
His form has also helped him return to the Test stage too via Samoa, and he has now won eight caps for the Pacific Island nation and represented them at the 2023 World Cup. He also has 15 caps for the All Blacks to his name.
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