All Black and Blues loose forward Steven Luatua has agreed terms to join Bristol at the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Bristol's acting head coach Mark Tainton confirmed that Luatua will join the embattled, yet super rich English club ahead of the 2017/18 European season, which coincides with the conclusion of Super Rugby.

'Beating off competition from a number of high profile clubs for the signature of Steven, underlines the ambition of Bristol as well as Stephen Lansdown and the board's desire to drive us forward,' Tainton told Bristolrugby.co.uk.

'He's a hungry, ambitious 25-year-old and a standout performer at the very highest level and we are delighted to welcome him to Bristol. It's a massive acquisition for us,' said Tainton.

Luatua added that he is excited at the prospect of working with his former Blues boss Pat Lam again: 'i have a fantastic relationship with Pat and I enjoyed working with him at the Blues. I'm looking forward to taking on a new challenge with Bristol and contributing to the long term vision of the club.'

Luatua has made 15 Test appearances for the All Blacks between 2013 and 2016.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images