Bristol Bears talisman Steven Luatua has been called up to represent Samoa this Autumn.
Flanker Luatua is a 15-cap cap New Zealand All Black, however he is the latest headline name to make an international allegiance switch following a change in World Rugby’s rules earlier this year.
Players can now represent a second nation if they serve a three-year international absence and were either born in the second country or have a parent or grandparent born there. Auckland born Luatua has not played for New Zealand since November, 2016 when he ran out against Italy and has been a long-term target for Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua having expressed his interest to play for the Pacific island nation.
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Samoa play Italy, Georgia and Romania this Autumn but Luatua is expected to be touch and go with his fitness to be involved having suffered a calf injury late in pre-season that is expected to keep him out for 12 weeks.
Luatua, 31, is joined in the Samoa squad by Bristol teammate Chris Vui, and former Bears Alapati Leiua and Jordan Lay. Former Wasps prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen, who moved to Ulster in the summer, is the other new former All Black to be included in the squad.
The Bristol captain took to Twitter this morning to simply say: "Honoured to be named."
The call up paves the way for Luatua to run out against England next year with Samoa also drawn in Pool D at the 2023 Rugby World Cup along with Japan, Argentina and Chile .
Samoa squad for the autumn internationals:
Forwards: Fritz Lee, Talalelei Gray, Afaesetiti Amosa, Jordan Taufua, Steven Luatua, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Brian Alainu'uese, Chris Vui, Michael Ala'alatoa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Donald Brighouse, Nephi Leatigaga, Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Manu Leiataua, Luteru Toloi.
Backs: Tomasi Alosio, Des Sepulona, Tumua Manu, Joe Perez, Duncan Paia'aua, Alapati Leiua, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala, Stacey Ili, Ulupano Seuteni, Rodney Iona, D'Angelo Leuila, Ere Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.
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