Bristol Bears have announced that one of the club's greatest players of the professional era, Steven Luatua, has put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay at Ashton Gate.
The 15-cap All Black, who has also represented Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup having switched international allegiances, has made 126 appearances for the Bears over seven seasons, captaining the side 90 times during that period – the 15th most in the club’s history. The 32-year-old, who can operate across the back row, joined the club from Super Rugby side the Auckland Blues in the summer of 2017 and has since established himself as one of the Premiership’s best players.
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Bristol director of rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Stevie’s contribution to this club since he arrived with me way back in 2017 has been incredible. From the Championship to the present day, he is a vital part of our journey and the Bristol Bears story.
“As we build a young and exciting squad for the future, Steven’s experience, leadership and world-class ability will continue to be crucial to the development of the next group of youngsters, setting an example of what it takes to be a Bear at the highest level.
“Stevie is a Bears centurion and loved and appreciated by the Bristol fans, who along with his wife Olivia and their Bristol-born children have definitely made this city their home away from home.”
Luatua added: “The opportunity to stay at the club was an easy decision to me. I’m proud to represent this club and I know how much it means to the city.
"I’m grateful to Pat, Chris and the Lansdown family for the faith they show in me and also to the community who have made me and my family so welcome here. I think of how far we have come during my time here and I believe we have so much more to achieve. I’m excited by the potential of our young and hungry squad next season and excited to see what we can accomplish.”