Worcester Warriors have signed All Blacks flyer Rico Gear on a three-year deal.
Worcester Warriors have signed All Blacks flyer Rico Gear
Worcester Warriors have made one the biggest signings of the summer with the announcement that New Zealand All Black Rico Gear has signed a three-year deal.
The flying Canterbury winger, who has scored 10 tries in 18 Tests for New Zealand, will wear the Worcester jersey until the summer of 2010.
Widely feared as one of the most electric one-on-one finishers in world rugby, Gear's club record reads as impressively as his international exploits - finishing top try-scorer in Super 14 two years ago.
The 29-year-old also has Commonwealth Gold to his name, and new Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock could not hide his delight at landing such a coup.
"We wanted to make a statement about our ambition as a club and about the future of Worcester Warriors that we believe will be a very positive one," said Ruddock.
Exciting
"We want to try and play an exciting brand of rugby that encourages players to express themselves and creates interest amongst our supporters.
"I believe in the signing of Rico we've certainly achieved both those factors and we're hoping that such a quality player will act as a catalyst for a progressive brand of rugby.
"Rico is one of the best finishers in the game and he has got the pace to finish off the any chances that we are looking to create for him."
Gear joins a growing batch of Kiwi players at Sixways, after Ruddock's efforts to bring in Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson.
The Warriors have also snapped up Fiji's Netani Talei and Samoan duo Loki Crichton and Shaun Ruwers, and Gear admitted Ruddock's ambition was a big factor in the move.
"Mike Ruddock phoned me directly to speak to me personally at length on a number of occasions and that was a big point for me in my decision making. I wanted to hear what his plans were and I was immediately attracted to Warriors by his passionate vision for the club alongside chairman Cecil Duckworth," he explained.
"The club also impressed me in the way it has acted in such a professional manner throughout this entire process. I know this is the right club for me and my family at the right time in my career.
Desire
"The Warriors have shown their burning desire to move forward in recent months by signing a number of world class players, including Sam (Tuitupou) and Greg (Rawlinson) who I both know well from Super 14 rugby and the All Blacks. I'm looking forward to coming over with them and making a real impact at Sixways.
"I believe all the ingredients are now at the club so that I can be part of a successful Warriors side that will challenge for honours in the English game in the future.
"I feel I am enjoying some of the best form of my life and know the style of rugby that Mike Ruddock wants the Warriors to play will suit my approach to the game. I'm determined to add a real dynamic and cutting edge to the team next season."
