Rugby: Gear gone, but will Naholo stay?

Chiefs winger Hosea Gear is heading back overseas. Photo / Getty Images

Hosea Gear's return to New Zealand rugby will have been a short one, with French club Clermont has signing the former All Black winger on a two-year deal.

It will be Gear's second stint in France, having already played a season with Toulouse in 2013-14.

The 31-year-old Gear, who played 14 tests and scored six tries for the All Blacks from 2008-12, had returned to New Zealand to play for the Chiefs but couldn't find a regular place in the side, having to battle against the likes of James Lowe, Tim Nanai-Williams and Bryce Heem for a spot on the wing.

Clermont finished runner-up to Stade Francais in the Top 14 after being handed its 11th defeat in 12 French finals last weekend, while they were also beaten at the last hurdle by Toulon in the Champions Cup final in May.

Gear's signing raises questions over the future of standout Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo.

Naholo had signed a two-year deal with Clemont, but reports suggested that the parties had agreed to renege on the deal as a result of Naholo's increased chances of making the All Blacks.

No confirmation of Naholo's status has been made yet, but the signing of Gear could be a strong indication that the Fijian winger will be staying in New Zealand.