Reihana signs for move to Northampton in autumn
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Northampton have signed the former All Blacks winger Bruce Reihana on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The New Zealand sevens player will join Northampton in November after he completes his season with the New Zealand provincial side Waikato.
Reihana, who can also play at full-back and stand-off, has made a record 58 appearances for the Chiefs Super 12 side. The Northampton coach, Wayne Smith, said that Reihana's versatility had been important in his decision to sign the 26-year-old player.
"Bruce has played at full-back and wing for the Chiefs and the All Blacks, but also at fly-half for the New Zealand Maoris and at centre for the New Zealand Under-21s," the former All Blacks coach said. "I wanted to reinforce the back three and I was looking for someone with true pace, good ball skills and good try-scoring. I also wanted to bring another goal-kicker into the team."
The Wales and Lions scrum-half Rob Howley, who retired from Test rugby in April and joined Wasps last week from Cardiff, has been included in the Wales sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games.
The flanker Jason Forster will captain a 12-strong squad that also includes the internationals Gareth Thomas, Dafydd James, Arwel Thomas, Matthew Robinson and Gareth Wyatt.
"We have picked a strong and talented squad which includes a good blend of those sevens specialists who have served us so well on the International Rugby Board circuit, and also contains the experience and all-round athleticism of those who have been tied to the 15-a-side game," the team's manager, David Rees, said.
"Provided we play to our potential, we can certainly challenge to be among the medals. Practice matches have been going well and we are all in a positive frame of mind." The squad will be coached by Colin Hillman.
The Wales squad will take part in the opening ceremony on 25 July before returning to Wales to complete their preparations. The sevens event starts on 2 August at the Games, which run from 25 July until 4 August.
The Fijian-born Australia rugby league wing Lote Tuqiri is to switch codes. Tuqiri said he will be targeting a place in the Australian squad for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. Tuqiri, 22, has played five Tests for the Australia rugby league team and before that he captained the Fijian team at the 2000 World Cup.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments