B
Bullitt
Guest
Originally posted by skysports.com
SALTER STAYS ON AS BRISTOL SKIPPER
![]()
Salter: Bristol skipper
Newly-promoted Bristol, who raced to the National League One ***le last season, have confirmed that Matt Salter will retain the captaincy in the Guinness Premiership.
The 28-year-old returned to the Memorial Stadium last season after a year with Leeds and impressed as he led the club to promotion.
Coach Richard Hill said the decision to reappoint the 'inspirational' number eight had been an easy one to reach.
"Matt was superb for us last season," Hill said. "He was in excellent form as a player and was inspirational as a leader.
"He led from the front and I don't think it was any coincidence that our one dip in form took place when he was out injured.
"He came back to Bristol with the aim of getting us back into the Premiership and he duly achieved that.
"Now he will lead us on our return and he will do so with pride. Also, with all the changes and new signings this season, I felt that it was very important to have as much continuity as possible."
Salter, who signed a new two-year contract with Bristol last month, believes the task of leading the team will be easier this season thanks to the addition of several senior players.
The new-look Bristol squad includes ex-England hooker Mark Regan, who returns to the Memorial Stadium, former Wasps captain Mark Denney and fierce-tackling Munster centre Brian Lima.
"It's a huge honour to have the captaincy for another year," Salter said. "Last season was superb. It wasn't an easy job because we were trying to win a championship.
"It could be easier now. There will be more senior players around me while the younger ones have gained more experience."
Originally posted by skysports.com
REIHANA IS SAINTS STAND-IN
![]()
Reihana: 'Overwhelmed'
Bruce Reihana has been named as Northampton's stand-in skipper for the games Steve Thompson will miss during the new season.
Thompson is sidelined for pre-season games with the revised rest period of England players, and could miss out on club action during the autumn internationals and Six Nations.
Reihana, who has played 75 games for Saints since his debut in 2002, signed a three-year deal at the end of last season that will see him at Frankilin's Gardens until 2008.
"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.
Director of rugby Budge Pountney added: "Bruce is a popular player with both his fellow squad members and the supporters. But more than that he has everyone's respect.
"He leads by example on and off the pitch and was the ideal candidate for this important role."
Originally posted by skysports.com
MARSHALL EXPLAINS LEEDS MOVE
![]()
 Marshall: Davies praise
Former New Zealand international Justin Marshall has outlined his reasons for joining Leeds Tykes.
Marshall has signed a two-year contract with the Tykes and will head to Headingley this summer from Canterbury Crusaders.
He will arrive in England having retired from international rugby following the All Blacks' drubbing of the British and Irish Lions.
But while his decision to transfer his considerable talents to English rugby is not a shock, signing for Leeds was considered a surprise.
The scrum-half has been one of the pre-eminent players of his generation and could probably have had his pick of Premiership clubs.
The deciding factor, though, in Marshall accepting an offer from Leeds was the chance to work with Tykes coach Phil Davies.
"Phil had a major influence on my decision," commented Marshall.
"I just thought it would be a good challenge for me and the setup and the team environment was really important for me.
"I needed to go somewhere where I was going to feel comfortable. That was at the forefront of my thinking and the potential of the Leeds side excited me.
"They are capable of showing a lot more than they have already and you could see that when they were struggling towards the end of the season."