Hosea Gear eyes World Cup in return to New Zealand’s Chiefs
Former All Blacks winger Hosea Gear is returning to New Zealand rugby next year with the Waikato Chiefs in an effort to break into Steve Hansen’s World Cup squad.
Former All Blacks winger Hosea Gear is returning to New Zealand rugby next year with the Waikato Chiefs in an effort to break into Steve Hansen’s World Cup squad.
The 30-year-old Gear was a late inclusion in the All Blacks’ 2011 World Cup squad after initially being considered one of the unlucky players to miss out and in his prime was a near certain selection on the left wing for the world champions.
Gear will join the twice Super Rugby champion Chiefs at the conclusion of his one-season contract with Japanese club Honda.
He’s a hell of a player, powerful, quick and a quality finisher. We are really looking forward to working with Hosea next season
His combination with midfield back Sonny Bill Williams will provide the Chiefs with more size and power in their backline next season, particularly if centre Robbie Fruean also recovers from his latest heart surgery.
“Hosea ticks all the boxes,” said Chiefs coach Dave Rennie. “He’s a good man, very professional and experienced.
“He’s also a hell of a player, powerful, quick and a quality finisher. We are really looking forward to working with Hosea next season.”
Gear left New Zealand at the end of last year's Super Rugby season for a contract with French club Toulouse, but decided not to exercise an option for an additional year, instead moving to Japan with Honda.