Steven Luatua wants international eligibility review

In an interview with Sky Sport NZ’s Breakdown programme discussing a range of topics, Former All Black Steven Luatua said World Rugby’s international eligibility laws are in need of a review.

The 15-cap All Black, who left Kiwi shores in 2017 to take up a contract with the Bristol Bears, said there certainly needs to be a discussion for the betterment of the global game.

“I feel like it would definitely add to those little islands, giving them a little bit of joy in seeing some better players, different players play for their countries,” Luatua said.

The 29-year-old also spoke about being keen to return to New Zealand at the end of his contract with the Bears (with his current contract expiring in 2021).

"One of my goals was always to come back and play 100 games for the Blues – I think I'm 20 or 30-odd short so that's a couple seasons," Luatua said.

"If they'll take an old-timer, or someone off the bench, then I'd be happy to come and fill that role; locker-room banter, I'm there for it."

Admitting the move to England has turned out exactly as he hoped, he added: "At the time when I was looking for new opportunities, it was either here (England) or Japan.

“I leaned towards here because I still wanted to grow in my rugby and the game being different here I feel like I have.

“In the three years that I’ve been here, I’ve definitely defended and been in a lot more mauls than my entire time in New Zealand.”

Luatua captained Bristol to third place in the 2019/20 Premiership Rugby season before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of play after 13 rounds.