Captain Bruce Reihana has signed a two-year contract extension with Northampton Saints.
Skipper on course for return to Guinness Premiership
Northampton Saints captain Bruce Reihana has signed a two-year extension to his contract at Franklin's Gardens.
The former All Black is leading the Saints' bid to return to the Guinness Premiership following their relegation last year and his commitment is crucial to the club's promotion campaign.
Northampton are top of National League One after winning their first 20 games of the season and are on course for an immediate return to the elite.
Reihana's new deal means he is committed to the club until the summer of 2010, five and a half years after his move from Waikato.
The 31-year-old took the Premiership by storm when he arrived at Northampton, winning the PRA's Players' Player of the Year, Premiership Overseas Player of the Year and Saints Player of the Year awards.
New record
Despite a long-term injury last season Reihana has been back to his best this term, helping himself to 36 points against Sedgley Park last weekend to set a new club record.
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder declared himself delighted with Reihana's decision to re-sign.
"Bruce is a terrific player, leader and ambassador for Northampton Saints," said Mallinder.
"Bruce means a lot to the club and the club means a lot to him. He has worked very hard this season in our push for promotion, on and off the field.
"His quality of play has been consistent in whichever position he has played and his character and commitment are unquestionable.
"I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years."
