Gear could move to Canterbury

Rico Gear

Rico Gear could move to Canterbury this year without playing a single game for Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition.

Tasman chief executive Lee Germon said he expected to know in the next few weeks whether the All Blacks winger would move to Canterbury or play for the (Tasman) Makos, although the player had told Germon his family was now living in Christchurch.

Gear had said that he always intended to move to Canterbury when he surprisingly transferred to second division Nelson Bays last year from North Harbour.

Germon said Gear had informed his team officials last week that he was injured and would not play for Tasman against Auckland yesterday. Auckland won 46-6.

Germon said he didn't expect to hear from Gear until after the All Blacks Tri-Nations match against Australia in Auckland on August 19.

"Over the last couple of weeks I've had discussions with Rico and also with his advisor," Germon told Radio Sport.

"Rico is now deciding what is in his best interest as a player and also from his family's perspective. His family's in Christchurch."

Germon confirmed that Gear knew his family would be based in Christchurch when he was moving to Nelson Bays last year and like Nelson Bays, Tasman were expecting him to be available for only for a handful of provincial games.

So what's changed?

"We need to take into account the player's welfare and what is in his best interest."

Germon said while there were contractual issues, Tasman wanted players who wanted to be part of their set-up.

Gear apparently joined Nelson Bays to be able to play for the Crusaders in the Super 14 because New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) regulations prevented provinces signing more than one current All Black. Canterbury had already grabbed No 8 Mose Tuiali'i from Auckland by then and lured halfback Kevin Senio from Bay of Plenty to fill their All Black quota.

Gear said then it was "always my intention" to transfer to Canterbury from Nelson Bays.

- NZPA