Rico Gear signs with Japanese club

Former All Blacks wing Rico Gear has signed with top Japanese rugby club the Kintetsu Liners, it was reported today.

The club announced Gear's signing today from English Premiership club Worcester, The Daily Yomiuri reported.

Gear, 32, scored 11 tries in 19 tests for the All Blacks before signing with Worcester in 2007.

He was granted a release at the end of this season after the club said it wouldn't stand in his way if he had a significant offer to move elsewhere.

The Kintetsu Liners, based in Osaka, are coached by former All Black Peter Sloane and signed former All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald last year before he ended his playing career.

- NZPA