Steven Luatua, a pivotal figure in Bristol Rugby, has recently inked a new deal that will see him remain with the club through the 2025-26 season. This announcement comes as Luatua prepares to celebrate his 150th appearance for the club in an upcoming match against Northampton.

Luatua, who joined Bristol in 2017 when the team was still competing in the Championship, was the first signing made by Director of Rugby Pat Lam. Reflecting on Luatua's contributions, Lam shared with BBC Radio Bristol, "He's been here as long as myself and he's been brilliant. A lot of fans consider him the best signing, not just for his on-field prowess but also for his leadership and off-field influence."

Leadership and Respect Luatua has captained the team 90 times, boasting a high success rate. His leadership is revered not only by his teammates but also by referees and opponents alike. "Everyone looks up to him, the referees talk highly of him, opposition have a lot of respect for him. It's great that he's continuing his journey with us," Lam added.

International Career Born in New Zealand, Luatua has been capped 15 times by the All Blacks. In 2022, he switched allegiance to Samoa, representing them eight times, including at the 2023 World Cup. This season, he has made 19 appearances for Bristol across all competitions, starting in 13 of those matches.

Personal Commitment Expressing his enthusiasm for the new contract, Luatua stated, "It's good to lock away another year. My family loves it here, we love it here. What we're doing here as a team [I'm] very excited about that. Very happy to be staying on." He also highlighted his ongoing passion for the game, "The mind is still ticking over and what I like in these last couple of years is that I'm still learning. I find that if I'm trying to figure out things on the field and learn as I go, then the excitement stays with me."

Looking Ahead As Luatua continues to be a cornerstone for Bristol Rugby, his extended contract underscores the club's commitment to maintaining a strong, experienced leadership core. Fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate his continued contributions both on and off the field.