New signing Rico Gear has vowed to add a ‘dynamic and cutting edge’ to Warriors after the New Zealand star agreed a three-year deal at Sixways.
Flying wing Gear has carved out a reputation throughout the rugby world as a devastating finisher with an impressive try scoring record in both the international and domestic arena.
The 29-year-old back has grabbed 33 tries in just 68 games in the Super 14 for Crusaders, Auckland Blues and Highlanders.
Gear also has a sensational international rate with 10 tries in just 18 games for the All Blacks, with his latest try coming last weekend as New Zealand beat Canada 64-13 in Hamilton.
And now the latest recruit to the Sixways ranks has revealed he plans to add a real potency on the wing for Warriors to fire the club up the Guinness Premiership table.
“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,” said Gear.
“I’m determined to add a real dynamic and cutting edge to the team next season. 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.”
Gear becomes the latest arrival at Sixways under the new leadership of Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.
The Sixways boss has seen firsthand the damage that Gear can cause as the winger scored a hat-trick at the Millennium Stadium when Ruddock was in charge of Wales in November 2005.
And Gear revealed the chance to work under Ruddock and the way he handled the move had helped him decide the switch to Sixways was the correct one for him.
“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,” said Gear.
“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.
“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.”
Gear is the sixth new arrival at the club as Warriors look to build ahead of the new Guinness Premiership campaign joining new boys like Loki Crichton, Shaun Ruwers and Netani Talei.
And he admitted the chance to join fellow All Blacks Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson – the trio were all recently in the Junior All Blacks squad before call-ups to the Tri-Nations squad – was also a big selling point.
He said: “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.”
