Steven Luatua signs contract extension with Bristol Bears through 2026

Bristol Bears star Steven Luatua has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club through the 2025-26 season, ahead of his 150th appearance for the team. Luatua, a former All Black who also represented Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has been a central figure for Bristol since joining from the Auckland Blues in 2017, captaining the side 90 times and earning recognition as one of the Premiership's standout performers. Both Luatua and Director of Rugby Pat Lam praised the club's progress during his tenure and emphasized his leadership, commitment, and influence on and off the field. Luatua expressed his pride in representing Bristol, noting that the city has become home for his family and highlighting his excitement about the potential of the club's young squad and their future ambitions. Pat Lam described Luatua as perhaps the best signing in the club's history, citing widespread respect from teammates, referees, and opposition alike. The contract extension affirms Luatua's ongoing importance to Bristol as they strive for further success.