Gear to play for Tasman in Air NZ Cup

Rico Gear

All Blacks winger Rico Gear will play for Tasman in this season's Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition, coach Dennis Brown said today.

He said Gear had made his decision to play for Tasman and was available to play against Manawatu in Blenheim on Saturday.

Gear played four NPC matches for Nelson Bays last year after his surprise transfer from North Harbour, but has yet to turn out for Tasman in the new competition.

There had been some confusion over whether he would appear for Tasman, after informing team officials last week that he was injured and would not be available to play Auckland last weekend.

His family live in Christchurch and it was thought Gear wanted to change allegiance to Canterbury.

Dennis Brown has named 23 players to face Manawatu.

He has bracketed four outside backs, including Gear, in his starting 15, with one to be omitted.

"We are delighted to have a player of Rico's capabilities available to assist in our Air NZ Cup campaign this weekend," he said.

Gear was the Crusaders' top tryscorer in their run to the Super 14 title this year.

Tasman:

Robbie Malneek, Lucky Mulipola/Iliesa Durrant/Peter Playford/Rico Gear (one to be omitted), Aaron Kimura, Ben Gollings, Kahn Fotualii, Corey Holdaway, Jonathon Poff, Alex Ainley, Chris Bentley, George Naoupu, Ben May, Tii Paulo, John Brooks.

Reserves:

Mark Stewart, Tristan Moran, Stu Smith, Mark Bright, James King, Tim Taylor, Toese Lealamanua.

- NZPA