An interview with the Saints Captain

By David Percy
August 7 2006

An interview with Bruce Reihana. Certainly not here for his pension, and a Saintsman through and through, Bruce talks to David Percy about the Captaincy and the coming year.

Interview with Bruce Rehania.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DP.  Bruce, you Captained the side enough times last season, but you are now the official Captain this season, does that make it more special?

 

BR. Yeah, it certainly does, it was very overwhelming for me, when it was announced I had a few tears in the back of my eyes, but it’s very very special, and I just hope I can lead by example, as have many Captains in the past.

 

DP. Your name goes up on the board, and there have been many great names on that board as well, it must feel like a privilege to up alongside them?

 

BR. It certainly is a privilege mate, and like I said, I just hope I can do the job right, and lead our side out, and hopefully win something this year.

 

DP.  Hopefully win something, and get to lift a trophy, that would make your year, wouldn’t it?

 

BR.  Mate, it certainly would, I’ve dreamt of that ever since I’ve been here at the Gardens and obviously right through my career I haven’t had a chance to do so yet, so it will be a very special occasion if that could be done and follow along the likes of Pat Lam.       

 

DP.  Is it something you’ve always wanted to do, be the Captain of this club, ever since you have been here?

 

BR. Yeah mate, to be a Captain of any club is special, but I’ve made Northampton my home now, and it’s a special part of my life, and the people here have just been absolutely fantastic, and to be able to come over to another country and become Captain of a side is absolutely amazing for me and very special in my heart, I just look forward to doing the job right and enjoy every occasion I get to wear this jersey.

 

DP. Extra responsibility?

 

BR. Yeah, it is, it’s about leading on the pitch and off the pitch, and when tough times come, it’s about making the right decisions and giving guys the right words and the right things to do, and I’m looking forward to that challenge , I’ve still got a lot to learn , but we’ve got a lot of experienced guys in this group that will always help you out, Wally’s one of them, he’s helped me out hugely, and I am sure they will continue to help me out through the season.

 

DP. Do you think your Captaincy will develop as a result of last year; you will be able to improve in your role?

 

BR. Yeah, I certainly think so, and I certainly hope so (laughs), I’d like to talk to a lot of other Captains, and ask for more words, and more ways to improve, I’m always here to learn, it doesn’t matter how old I am, or how young you are, it’s all about a big learning curve and moving onwards and upwards, so I am looking forward to doing that.

 

DP. Having the extra responsibility, that won’t affect your game in any way?

 

BR. No, that shouldn’t affect my game, I’ve been round here long enough to know what to expect, and how to get around it, its about being calm and doing your job right, so I am really looking forward to it.

 

DP. You spoke about the possibility of lifting a trophy, can the team achieve this year, do you think?

 

BR. Well, we can achieve anything we want to, it’s about how we prepare, how we work hard, and how we bond and mould as a team, we’ve shown that we are capable of beating sides on any given day, and it’s about consistency for us, if we can start well and put ourselves in that position at the end of the season, top four or top five, and, well then, who knows, but I’ve always believed we can, and it’s about doing it this year.

 

DP. Pre season games coming up, more matches at home this year?

 

BR. Yes, very very lucky, last year we had, I think, four away to start, and this year it’s the other way round, so we can’t ask for a better start to our season, and we’ve got to develop really well and prove that we can front, because three home games, and the start of the Premiership with a home game against Newcastle is very exciting, and we’ve got to take that on board and make it work for us.

 

DP. You are happy with what you have seen with new players coming into the club?

 

BR. Yeah definitely, there’s a few young fellers, and a few older guys who have been here then come back, they are all looking very fit, and big, so I’ve got to make sure I keep sharp, and keep on the ball, because these young players will pass me (laughs).

 

DP. Bruce, good luck for the season, and thanks for your time.