STEVEN LUATUA

The former All Black is a Bristol legend after eight years at Ashton Gate

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CAPPED BY two countries and a Barbarian on several occasions, Steven Luatua has a pretty glamorous rugby CV. However, his rugby journey in the northern hemisphere began in far more humble surroundings when he joined Bristol in the RFU Championship ahead of 2017-18.

Pat Lam had coached Luatua in Super Rugby with the Blues and convinced him to buy into his long-term vision at Ashton Gate.

A 15-time All Black, Luatua was soon heading on trips to Jersey and Cornwall and his first season included a win over Rotherham in a blizzard with dire visibility.

For many it would have been pretty grounding and might have taken some getting used to, but Wales scrum-half Rhodri Williams - who spent that year with Luatua in the second tier - insists he took it in his stride.

“Everyone looked up to him straightaway. It wasn’t just his previous career in New Zealand, he gained respect from the boys immediately.