Mike Ruddock has revealed the lure of creating history was a key factor in New Zealand star Rico Gear’s decision to move to Warriors.
Warriors produced the biggest signing in the club’s long existence with the capture of the All Blacks star on a three-year deal.
But it is the exciting plans for the future that has enticed Gear to make the switch and Ruddock is convinced the wing speedster can now play a huge part in an exciting new era at Sixways.
“We have the chance to achieve a number of firsts in the next few years,” said the Director of Rugby.
“Rico found the prospect of being part of the first Worcester team to make it into the playoffs or win the European Cup, a massive incentive.”
Gear, currently in South Africa with the All Blacks, will bring an exciting new dimension to Warriors with his sharp breaks and killer instinct around the try line.
And Ruddock knows the coaching team will need to fashion a game plan in the coming weeks to maximise the 29-year-old’s talents.
“The challenge for us is to mould a gameplan so we can get him into the action and give him the chances and half chances he needs,” said Ruddock, who has also brought Loki Crichton, Sam Tuitupou, Greg Rawlinson, Shaun Ruwers and Netani Talei to Sixways.
“Just having him there gives us the confidence that we can play a wider game than we did before.
“The try he scored against Canada last weekend was typical. He put his foot on the gas without ever getting into fourth gear. His footwork and strength around the contact area will help him make the most of the chances we produce.”