 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  | |  |
New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said Reihana would not, at this stage, continue his rugby career in New Zealand.
"He has our full support and we respect his wish now to remain in the United Kingdom. Obviously we were looking forward to having a player of his experience and calibre return to New Zealand but we understand the reasons why he is not able to come back this year."
Reihana said: "It has been a family decision to stay here. The people, the players and the whole set-up here is great and they have helped make my decision so much easier."
Reihana, who won two caps with the All Blacks, has made 67 appearances for Saints since his debut against Leicester in the 2002/03 season. The following year, he won the Zurich Premiership Overseas Player of the Year award, the PRA Players' Player award and was joint highest try scorer in the league, along with Steve Hanley.
The 28-year-old signed to Saints from Waikato where he racked up 83 appearances including their final against Auckland in the 2002 NPC final. He also collected 50 Super 12 caps from Waikato Chiefs - and was Waikato's most capped player when he left his home club two-and-a-half years ago.
Saints chairman Keith Barwell said: "I am absolutely delighted that Bruce is staying. I am sure our fans will be thrilled because as a player, Bruce is irreplaceable."
