All Blacks ace Rico Gear has admitted he can hardly wait to add some try-power to Worcester Warriors after arriving at Sixways Stadium.
The wing sensation, who has scored ten tries in 18 caps for New Zealand, has become the biggest signing in the club’s history after agreeing a three-year deal that will keep him at Sixways until the end of the 2009/2010 season.
Gear, widely regarded as one of the most exciting and clinical wingers on the planet in both domestic and international rugby, checked out his new surroundings and met the media at Sixways on Monday morning.
And the explosive and exciting 29-year-old revealed he is determined to add a real cutting edge to the team.
“Hopefully I can score a lot of tries,” said Gear. “I want to add some leadership to the back line and cohesion, it’s exciting to be here and start a new chapter in my rugby career.
“I plan to make the most of every chance that comes my way and enjoy every moment, I can’t wait to get started, hopefully that is against Gran Parma.
“I have seen a little bit of the boys in action and I can see real potential in the side. I like the way the team is trying to play, it is a style that suits me and I look forward to getting out there and playing.
“There are some great guys here and the banter is good, I already feel at home here. The facilities are fantastic and speaking with Mike Ruddock and the coaching staff the way we want to play the game is an exciting one.
“The fans here are also superb. The players have told me all about them. They are right behind you which can be different to back home.”
Electric wing Gear has also excelled on the international stage since making his All Blacks debut in July 2004 against the Pacific Islanders, where he scored a try.
He won a Commonwealth Games gold medal when he was part of the New Zealand Sevens side and also has World Cup Sevens medals.
Gear also played in numerous matches against the British and Irish Lions in their 2005 tour of New Zealand and scored his first All Blacks hat-trick against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.
But the wing wonder is now only focusing on his domestic career at Warriors and life in the Guinness Premiership with a club whose ambitions matched his own.
“This was a challenge and a chance to try something very different. I am excited about this opportunity,” he added.
“It was a factor that I know people here, guys like Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson, I am familiar with them and that makes it easier. I have played in three or four teams with players here.
“I also have a young family with a young boy called Whaimauri, this way I will also get to spend more time with them.
“But I really wanted to play in the Guinness Premiership. This is one of the best competitions in the world. I saw Worcester as an opportunity for me to realise my dreams with a club which I believe is going forward.
“It will be a different style of rugby and against different players that I have not faced before. It is a challenge and something I want to test myself against as soon as possible.”
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Be coached by the Warrior All Blacks – Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson – through Warriors Premier Rugby Academy, supported by npower. Back at Sixways Stadium – January 3rd & 4th – Ages 6 to 16 – Only £50 per person. To book a place on this exclusive camp simply book online by CLICKING HERE or contact the Warriors Community Team.