Bruce Reihana leaves Northampton Saints for Bordeaux – Rugby news
English Rugby Union side Northampton Saints has officially announced the exit of their utility back Bruce Reihana from the squad. Reihana is heading to France to join the French Rugby Union team Union Bordeaux Bègles.
Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder confirmed the news of the players’ release. He further added, “On behalf of all the coaches I would like to thank every player who is leaving for their contributions during their time at the
club, and wish them all the best for the future.”
Reihana has extensive experience playing in New Zealand and English Rugby Union teams and should help the Bordeaux to cement their place in the Top 14. Bordeaux have earned their place in the French Top 14 for the 2011/12 season
after they defeated Albi in the final of the Rugby Pro D2, 14 – 21 at Stade Armandie, Agen on May 22.
New Zealand born Reihana made his professional rugby club debut for his provincial side Waikato at the age of 20. He remained with the Chiefs until 2002 and made 81 appearances for them, scoring 385 points.
Reihana made his Super Rugby debut for Chiefs in 1997. He appeared in 58 Super Rugby games and scored 123 points.
His skills, abilities and techniques coupled with his exceptional on-field performance earned him a call to New Zealand’s Sevens national rugby union team. He made 11 appearances for Sevens and was part of the Sevens team that won
the common wealth gold medal in 1998 and 2002 respectively.
Reihana was included in the All Blacks squad in 2000 for their European tour. During the tour, he played his only two international games against France and Italy on November 18 and November 25, 2000 at Marseille and Genova.
The 6 feet tall, 86 kg player, joined Northampton Saints at the start of the 2002/03 season after New Zealand Rugby Union did not extend his contract. In the last nine years, he has played 235 games for Saints at both domestic
and European levels.
Reihana has scored 1,032 points for Saints that includes 76 tries, 140 conversions and 124 penalties. Besides captaining the side, he had the honours of winning the Premiership Overseas Player of the Year and the PRA Players' Player
of the Year Awards.
Additionally Saints have also confirmed the release of Shane Geraghty to Brive, Joe Ansbro to London Irish, Mark Easter to Sale Sharks and Dan Sanderson to Moseley.
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