News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
By David Lowrence
January 26 2010
Bruce Reihana has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints for 1 year with a possible extension. The Gardens legend (and for once that is not Hyperbole), has been with the club for over eight years, and his steadfastness and commitment to the club has been a byword. One of our most popular players, he always leave a little of himself on the pitch every time he plays.
January 26 2010
Bruce Reihana has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints for 1 year with a possible extension. The Gardens legend (and for once that is not Hyperbole), has been with the club for over eight years, and his steadfastness and commitment to the club has been a byword. One of our most popular players, he always leave a little of himself on the pitch every time he plays.
Bruce signs a new contract
Northampton Saints will announce today that Bruce Reihana has re-affirmed his commitment by signing his fourth contract with the club.
The 33-year-old former All Black has been a Franklin's Gardens favourite since his arrival mid-way through the 2002/03 season. A two-time Northampton Saints Player of the Season, Reihana is also a former winner of the Premiership Overseas Player of the Year and PRA Players' Player of the Year.
Among the current Saints squad he is leading the way in appearances and points, with 198 appearances and 986 points and is in line to become just the fifth Saint to score 1,000 points in the black, green and gold.
Reihana lifted the European Challenge Cup in May 2009, and this season has received many plaudits for the back three combination he has formed with Ben Foden and Chris Ashton, something he says has made him feel in his early-twenties again.
"I'm just about old enough for them to be my sons - just about!" Reihana said. "It certainly inspires me to want to play well when they're at the top of their game. It pushes me harder too to help the team. The team are playing the type of rugby I like to play.
"One of the big reasons I decided to stay was that I've been through thick and thin with the club. I've chosen to stay twice when I could have gone elsewhere to try and help the club get back to where it should be. Now we are starting to get to where we should be and I want to be a part of what's ahead of us.
"I'm very settled in Northampton. I've been here for just over eight years and have been supported very well here. My decision to stay, and hopefully finish my career here, was because of the environment, the supporters, the team we have now and the direction we're going in. We could be on the receiving end of something great. It's been a long road, but an enjoyable one to get back to where we should be."
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Reihana continues to set the example for the rest of the squad to follow.
"Bruce remains one of the squad's leaders and is an excellent professional," he said. "This season his standards of play have been outstanding and he has been one of our most potent strike weapons. He has also worked hard on every aspect of our game, and his long-range goal kicking turned several games in our favour earlier in the season.
"We have a young and developing squad and having experienced players like Bruce around is a big benefit to us. I'm very happy that he has signed on again with us."
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News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: ComeOnYouSaints.com (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 06:08
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Robby Richmond (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 06:13
big smile
@robbyrichmond
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: alan_t (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 06:30
Excellent news, now give that man a benefit year
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Chris Hoddle (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 06:31
Good news indeed I expect that each week there will be days of "rumour" as yesterday and days of celebration like today!
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Saint Tim (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 06:51
Big big smile at that news.
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: desbralass (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 07:28
and another smile here.To get his 1000 points,it's either 5 penalties/drop goals,3 tries,2 converted tries or a combination of these.
Go Bruce!
I've Taken the Pledge.
Just call me Nellie.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: St Francis (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 07:54
Excellent. That's what we wanted to hear!
Now for the rest of them...
Now for the rest of them...
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Ian Spokes (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:00
Excellent!!!
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Connorman (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:03
Absolutely the best news. And David, you are right - it is not overstating things to say Bruce is a legend. One of the most successful overseas players in English rugby - both in terms of his playing career and also his attitude and commitment. A massive example to youngsters in the local rugby clubs - we are lucky enough to have a lot to do with him at our club as his son plays here - he is never too busy for a chat with the boys, happy to be involved as a Saints' player when asked to, but just as happy being a dad, watching his son play and having a natter in the bar afterwards. Bruce - I salute you.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Howlin (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:04
rare commodity these days....loyalty. Hope some others look at Bruce's reasons for staying with teh club over the years and think long and hard before they sign a lucrative contract elswhere.
Saint til I die
Saint til I die
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Toulousian Firefighter (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:12
Yippee (not that I can even shout that thanks to Friday!!!)
Not much you can add to the above. He is just everything you would want in a rugby player.
Not much you can add to the above. He is just everything you would want in a rugby player.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Shaddo (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:19
Agree whole-heartedly with Howlin'.
Excellent news indeed, and if anyone deserved a benefit year it's Bruiser.
Excellent news indeed, and if anyone deserved a benefit year it's Bruiser.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: fergie_cat (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:28
made my day !
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: shendy (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:29
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: St Owen (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:36
Any chance we can keep him here until his eldest is ready to take over his father crown?
Very happy at this news. Very happy indeed.
Very happy at this news. Very happy indeed.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: BiGGles (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:36
HUZZAH!! 
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: smurfomatic (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:38
Woo and indeed hoo...
Can't trust these media chappies...the penalty at Thomond Park put him on 989. What chances he tops 1,000 on his 200th cap, against Leicester in the Cup? It would be appropriate as there's an article in the programme about 1,000 point players...
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Can't trust these media chappies...the penalty at Thomond Park put him on 989. What chances he tops 1,000 on his 200th cap, against Leicester in the Cup? It would be appropriate as there's an article in the programme about 1,000 point players...
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Bob Stainsby (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 08:56
HUUUUUUUGE GRIN
Bruce has shown Saints loyalty above and beyond the word a benefit year is very much his due. I am proper happy!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:01:26:11:20:19 by Saintsby.
Bruce has shown Saints loyalty above and beyond the word a benefit year is very much his due. I am proper happy!Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:01:26:11:20:19 by Saintsby.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: eb13saint (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:07
Great news! 
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Usp nli (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:09
fantastic news! A fine example to aspiring young players, a true leader and the ultimate professional. He will go down as a Saints legend.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:18
BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE
AKA John Benson
AKA John Benson
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: saintian (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:32
Rejoice, rejoice!
He could not be any more a son of Northampton if he'd have been born in the BMH. A Saints legend indeed and I'll second the benefit year proposal.
He could not be any more a son of Northampton if he'd have been born in the BMH. A Saints legend indeed and I'll second the benefit year proposal.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Ha! Wasn't Me (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:35
Good news indeed.
"BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE!!"
So, hey, I'm Dylan Hartley and I'm confrontational.
My Flickr and Picasa.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Wee Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 09:50
Excellent news! What a great example he sets. The squad needs some anchors of experience.
Softens the blow of any player departures..........
Softens the blow of any player departures..........
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Stockers (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 10:00
That is brilliant news!
Benefit for Bruiser
Quote:Jim said,
Bruce remains one of the squad's leaders and is an excellent professional"
Benefit for Bruiser
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Ben Johnson (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 10:05
I thought the same thing when my mate texted me the news this morning.
AKA John Benson
AKA John Benson
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Neal Roff (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 10:12
Brilliant news.If he wants to finish his career at Saints then so it should be.
BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE
BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: hoddros (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 10:20
Hopefully we will be able to draw comparisons with Bryan Robson who spent years at Manchester Utd, spurning other opportunities due to a desire to succeed at the club and then eventually realising that goal towards then end of his career, as the club embarked on a sustained period of success.
We all love |Bruce. Well, nearly all of us!
We all love |Bruce. Well, nearly all of us!
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: jimmies (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 10:45
In all honesty I can't see Bruce going anywhere even when his playing career does end - He is not far now from having another newborn and his wife is a northampton lass and from what I know they aren't going anywhere. Not even to NZ. So I could see Bruce taking some time out and maybe start to take his coaching badges, get him in at the bottom rung at the Saints and build him as a coach. Imagine how much the academy would love him.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 11:19
I'm a bit late on this but that really is smashing news
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: OldPete (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 11:57
great news - i will never forget his "expletive included " promise to get us back where we belong on the day we were relegated .
He led the team in keeping that promise and much more.
He he has been exemplary in conceeding the captaincy to Dylan while at the same time providing an example of go forward leadership and never say die spurit from the back line.
definitely must have a BRUCE benefit.
He led the team in keeping that promise and much more.
He he has been exemplary in conceeding the captaincy to Dylan while at the same time providing an example of go forward leadership and never say die spurit from the back line.
definitely must have a BRUCE benefit.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: SAINT_aitch (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 12:49
I cannot express strongly enough how this has made me feel. I have so much admiration and appreciation for this man, as a player, as a father, and as a Saintsman.
As OP say's, from the day of the speech in the middle of the pitch at FG when we were relegated, he has shown commitment and leadership in abundance.
A fine player, a stalwart ambassdor of the club, and a gent.
BRUCE, BRUCE, BRUCE...
As OP say's, from the day of the speech in the middle of the pitch at FG when we were relegated, he has shown commitment and leadership in abundance.
A fine player, a stalwart ambassdor of the club, and a gent.
BRUCE, BRUCE, BRUCE...
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Big Bird© (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 13:41
Grand news indeed
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: pksaint (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 15:12
"BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE!!" Best news of the day!
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: sainttaff (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 16:15
Great news, but i am suprised this wasnt kept back as a tonic to the Tiny news when that is anounced, unless they have something else up their sleeves for that???
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Dave Jackson (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 18:14
Great news - and maybe a catalyst for some of the other players at the club
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: ClaireJ (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 21:10
ClaireJ
Saints vs London Wasps...
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Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: Flinstone Saint (IP Logged)
Date: 26/01/2010 22:22
Absolutely delighted at this news.
Re: News: Reihana wants to finish his career at Saints
Posted by: SaintsDuncan (IP Logged)
Date: 27/01/2010 12:35
Quote:sainttaff
Great news, but i am suprised this wasnt kept back as a tonic to the Tiny news when that is anounced, unless they have something else up their sleeves for that???
Wasn't the timing of this about the same as Best's news?
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