4. Steven Luatua – New Zealand to Samoa
Similarly to Tonga, Samoa are also a nation who have prospered from the eligibility law changes, with the possibility of bringing in an abundance of former All Blacks stars in the near future. New Zealand capped Steven Luatua has already confirmed his intentions to play for Samoa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which is a promising sign for the Pacific Island nation.
The Bristol back-rower represented Samoa U20s in 2010, earning five caps for the Pacific Islanders. Luatua was then scouted and quickly called into the Junior All Blacks, and won back-to-back Junior World Championships in 2010 and 2011. Luatua soon found a home in the Blues of Super Rugby, and was called up into the All Blacks squad for the 2013 Rugby Championship, and made his debut in a 47-29 win over Australia.
Despite signs of promise, Luatau was not selected for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which saw the All Blacks retain their title as World Champions. He had begun to slip to the edge of Steve Hansen’s plans, yet was in-fact able to feature in a match against the 2017 British & Irish Lions, however this was for his Auckland Blues club side.
Luatua then made the change to join Pat Lam at Bristol Bears, where he captained the side to win the aforementioned 2020 European Challenge Cup. Now Luatua sets his sights on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and boosting test rugby in Samoa. He will take on England, Argentina, Japan and Chile, in Pool D of rugby’s greatest competition.