Whole New Ball Game

Worcester have pulled off a major coup by signing New Zealand wing Rico Gear on a three-year deal, report The Telegraph.

Gear has played in the Super 14 for the Highlanders, Auckland and Canterbury, and has scored 10 tries in 18 New Zealand appearances. At 29, he is of an age whereby Worcester could still benefit from some of his most productive seasons.

“Rico is one of the best finishers in the game,” said Mike Ruddock, director of rugby of a club rebuilding after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

“We wanted to make a statement about our ambition as a club.” Gear follows fellow All Blacks Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson, Fiji international Netani Talei and Samoa full-back Loki Crichton as new arrivals at Sixways since the end of last season.

“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,” Gear said.

“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.”