Speaking to the Daily Mail Luatua revealed joining English club Bristol last year was incredibly difficult, mainly because of his ambitions to play for the All Blacks in the British and Irish Lions tour.
Luatua wasn't selected for the All Blacks during the tour because of his new signing despite being a standout performer in the back row.
"Giving up the All Blacks jersey, especially ahead of the Lions tour, was the hardest part," Luatua said.
"I do have ambitions to play at a World Cup, maybe in 2023."
