Reihana in Saints action against Worcester Warriors

By Jon Wilkinson BBC Radio Northampton

Surprisingly, 33-year-old Bruce Reihana does not believe he has yet fully proved himself in England.

It belies the fact that the former All Black leads the current Northampton Saints squad for appearances and points scored.

It overlooks two player of the season, overseas player of the year and PRA players' player of the year awards.

And it runs counter to the views of Saints director Jim Mallinder, who calls him "one of the best trainers and players around".

"I wanted to come and prove I could make it somewhere else," says Reihana.

"Until I hang up my boots, I'll never know if I have. I try to prove myself week-in, week-out.

"It's a special feeling running out at Franklin's Gardens. I hope I've earned my spot in the team and made this town proud."

Reihana started playing at provincial level in New Zealand with Waikato in 1996, and then the Chiefs in the former Super 12.

He enjoyed Commonwealth Games success twice, and two caps for the All Blacks, before his move to the Saints mid-way through the 2002/03 season.

Reihana remembers his first game for the club, at full-back and in the rain against Leicester, as a sign of things to come.

"It was an eye-opener with the style of rugby, and the weather was horrendous. It woke me up to what was ahead, and I had to learn very quickly," he said.

He scored 15 tries in all competitions in 2003/04, to add to the four he scored the season before. Over the coming seasons, Reihana took over responsibility for kicking duties from Paul Grayson and the departing Shane Drahm.

And he was promoted to captain in 2006 when Steve Thompson decided to step down. The Saints management recognise Reihana as an influential figure throughout his time at Franklin's Gardens.

"He leads by example, and he's been through thick and thin with us," says Mallinder.

A major knee injury marred the 2006/07 season for Reihana, and the Saints' relegation to National One in 2008/09 tested the squad's resolve. The New Zealander was one of the key players to remain. It's not a decision he regrets.

Saints beat Bourgoin 15-3 in the Challenge Cup final under Reihana

"My choice to stay here to help us get back to where we should be is a highlight," he said.

"And seeing how supportive our fans were helped me make my decision to stay."

Reihana scored 28 tries in the 29 National League matches as Saints roared back into the Premiership.

Other highlights include the Challenge Cup win against Bourgoin and the Saints' progress this season - top four in the league and the only English side in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

Despite relinquishing the club captaincy to Dylan Hartley at the start of this season, Reihana remains an important and popular member of the first team.

And as well as the landmark 200 appearances, he's closing in on 1000 points for the club. But he says it's not an issue to him.

"I never set points or tries targets. My target is to earn my spot in the team and to do the best I can to help Northampton get further up the ladder," he said.

"As long as I give everything I can to the jersey and the team, the results will be with wins and trophies maybe one day."

The signing of a fourth contract with the club indicates a mutual appreciation of what the Saints can still get from Reihana, and the bond he has with the club.

Mallinder said: "He's at the top of his game and we hope he'll stay that way."

"It's home from home for me now. I want to give a lot more back to this club and the support I've had over these years," Reihana added.

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