Reihana joined Saints from Waikato midway through 2002/03

Northampton have announced that Bruce Reihana will captain them next season.

The New Zealander told the club website: "It will be a challenging season for us as we try to re-establish our place as a Premiership club.

"Captaining the Saints is always an honour," added the 32-year-old full-back.

"Northampton is very much my home and it always sends a shiver down my spine when I run out at Franklin's Gardens. It is a special club."

Director of rugby Jim Mallender added: "Bruce is an exceptional leader, on and off the field.

"He doesn't shirk his responsibilities and sets a good example for every member of the squad, no matter whether they are a senior professional or in the Academy."

Next season will be Reihana's fourth as captain.

Meanwhile, the European Challenge Cup draw was announced this week, and Saints will have a tough return to the European stage with a trip to France to play Toulon.

Drawn in Pool 2, Saints will also face another French team in Montpellier, plus fellow Premiership team Bristol.