Reihana, who has played 75 games for Saints since joining the club in 2002, will deputise for Steve Thompson while the England hooker and club captain is away on international duty.

I was overwhelmed to be asked to take on this captaincy role and it will be a true honour to lead out the Saints, he said.

It was a difficult time for Northampton last season as the club battled against relegation from the Premiership - their top-flight status was only guaranteed on the last day of the campaign - but Reihana emerged with his reputation intact.

The Kiwi full-back signed a new three-year deal in May and Saints director of rugby Budge Pountney declared he was the only candidate to take the leadership duties in Thompsons absence.

Steve did an excellent job for us last year when the club was going through a tough time and well rely on his leadership skills in 2005/06 as well, he said.

However, his probable absences with England, which were all proud of, meant we had to look for another player to lead the side while hes away.

Bruce is a popular player with both his fellow squad members and the supporters. But more than that he has everyones respect. He leads by example on and off the pitch and was the ideal candidate for this important role.