Future unclear for Gear
September 15 2009
Rico Gear has admitted that his future at Worcester is very much in the air as the wing continues to warm the bench.
The New Zealand international, who joined the English club back in June 2007, has been in jersey number 23 for their opening fixtures after falling behind Marcel Garvey and Miles Benjamin.
But with his current deal due to run its course at the season's end, a positive Gear revealed that he will be giving nothing but his all for the Warriors.
"My contract runs out next summer, but I'm not sure when we will get to talking about that," he said, speaking to the Worcester News.
"I'm not sure at the moment and I can't say too much until we sit down and something is put in front of me.
"I do enjoy Worcester, though, and would be happy to stay - it is a great club with great supporters and I think big things are going to happen here."
The 31-year-old was brought to Sixways Stadium as arguably their biggest signing in the professional era and was subsequently expected to become a regular starter alongside full-back Chris Latham.
However, that has not materialised as yet in 2009/10 with the young English wingers taking their chances in the first two domestic fixtures against Saints and Leeds.
"It was a pretty hard decision for Mike Ruddock, but I was happy to play my part on the bench at Northampton," explained a sympathetic Gear.
"In the pre-season friendlies against Newport Gwent Dragons and Ulster, I only played a total of 20 minutes, so I probably hadn't had enough game-time to start ahead of Marcel or Miles.
"There is a long, hard season ahead and I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for me to play.
"Also, I've played a few games for the Warriors at 13, but Mike went with the two young guys in the centres and they played pretty well. I'd be happy to cover at centre if needed."