Reihana has been a hit with Saints

Reihana, who won two All Black caps in 2000, will rejoin Waikato after signing a two-year deal with the NZRU.

"I have really enjoyed the competition here in the UK and the experience it has given me, but I am also a very proud New Zealander," Reihana said.

"Rejoining my old team-mates and the possibility of playing in an All Blacks jersey again was too hard to resist."

Reihana, whose Saints contract ends at the end of the season, was the PRA Players' Player of the Year last season and the Zurich Premiership Overseas Player of the Year.

We will be interested to see him from an All Blacks selection standpoint NZ assistant coach Wayne Smith

Earlier this year he and Northampton team-mate Andrew Blowers applied to the NZRU to be considered for All Blacks selection in 2005, a move supported by head coach Graham Henry.

But their application was turned down on the grounds neither would have been available to play for a Super 12 or National Provincial side before the international season began.

Reihana's decision means he could be considered for the All Blacks' series against the British and Irish Lions next June.

"I am looking forward to getting back into rugby in New Zealand and it is also great for my family to be moving back home, and to be back with our extended family," he added.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, who worked with Reihana at Northampton, is delighted to see him heading home.

"Bruce is a class player and his international experience and versatility will be a real asset to our Super 12 and provincial teams," said Smith.

"Based on his form in Europe, we will also be interested to see him return to rugby here from an All Blacks selection standpoint."