Bristol add Reihana to coaching staff

Bristol have announced that Bruce Reihana will link up with Pat Lam as part of his coaching team ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

The former All Blacks utility back arrives as skills coach from Top 14 outfit Bordeaux-Bègles.

One of the most exciting players to grace the Premiership, Reihana spent ten years at Northampton Saints, while also representing Waikato and the Chiefs in New Zealand.

“The addition of Bruce to the coaching set-up is a major coup for us. Not only is he an excellent coach, he knows the English game and what is required to break down opposition defences here,” Head Coach Mark Tainton told Bristol’s official website.

“Bruce worked with incoming fly-half Ian [Madigan] at Bordeaux and he understands Pat [Lam]’s philosophy and wants to promote an exciting brand of rugby. There’s no denying Bruce was an exciting and influential player during his career – we look forward to seeing him bring that innovation to his coaching of our young squad next season.

“The addition of Bruce to the coaching set-up is a major coup for us. Not only is he an excellent coach, he knows the English game and what is required to break down opposition defences here.”

A double Commonwealth gold medallist, Reihana made over two-hundred appearances for Northampton, before joining Bordeaux-Bègles as a player and then remaining at the club as skills coach.

“When the opportunity arose to join Pat Lam’s coaching team and to work with the players at Bristol Rugby, it excited me straight away,” he said.

“I’ve always seen Bristol as a team with huge potential and the chance to be part of a new project, to help develop a team and doing my utmost to bring the best out of players is massively appealing.

“I love the game and I love to coach. I like to bring energy and enthusiasm to my coaching with a real focus on hard work. When Pat outlined how he wanted his Bristol team to play, it sealed the deal.”