Luatua served a 5-week suspension after being red carded for a high tackle on Tim Nanai-Williams from the Chiefs when Williams wasn't in possession of the ball.

The following day however, Luatua was not selected for the All Blacks, meaning the Blues' 22–16 win against the Lions would be his last match at Eden Park.

After a strong start to the 2013 Super Rugby season, Luatua was named in the initial All Blacks wider training squad.

He was selected for the All Blacks 2013 The Rugby Championship squad[3] and played his first full test in the 47–29 win against Australia, in Sydney, on 17 August 2013.

After many struggles with keeping form and having injuries, Luatua was re-selected for New Zealand after two years' absence for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour in 2016.