In February 2017, English Premiership side Bristol announced Luatua would be joining them for the 2017–18 season. Luatua served a 5-week suspension after being red carded for a high tackle on Tim Nanai-Williams from the Chiefs when Williams wasn't in possession of the ball. For the rest of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign Luatua was excellent, providing a game-winning offload to Sonny Bill Williams who subsequently offloaded to Ihaia West so that West could score against the British and Irish Lions. The Blues won 22–16. The following day however, Luatua was not selected for the All Blacks, meaning the Blues' 22–16 win against the Lions would be his last match at Eden Park.
International career
Steven Luatua wins a lineout as the Blues defeat the British and Irish Lions in 2017
After a strong start to the 2013 Super Rugby season, Luatua was named in the initial All Blacks wider training squad.
He made his All Blacks debut coming from the bench in the 24–9 victory versus France in New Plymouth on 22 June 2013.
He was selected for the All Blacks 2013 The Rugby Championship squad[3] and played his first full test in the 47–29 win against Australia, in Sydney, on 17 August 2013.
After many struggles with keeping form and having injuries, Luatua was re-selected for New Zealand after two years' absence for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour in 2016. Luatua started as number 8 against Italy, scoring a try, New Zealand winning the match 68–10.
In 2022 Luatua switched allegiances and started playing for Samoa and was named in the Rugby World Cup 2023 squad. [4]
