Hosea Gear is a Highlander. Gear, the discarded All Black winger, has signed a one year contract with the southern franchise, and is leaving the Hurricanes after eight years.

There wasn't a wet eye in the North Harbour house when they came to farewell Luke McAlister last week.

Code-crosser Will Chambers will jump back to rugby league, and likely return to the Melbourne Storm, after being released by the Queensland Reds.