Hosea Gear re-signs with New Zealand Rugby and signs with the Highlanders

Posted on Sep 5, 2011 in NZ

Storming star winger Hosea Gear has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union, and he will play his 2012 Investec Super Rugby season with the Highlanders, it was announced today.

Gear, 27, has signed with New Zealand Rugby for two years.

Highlanders Coach Jamie Joseph said they were delighted with Gear’s signing.

“This is a huge score for the Highlanders.  Hosea has a combined speed, power and athleticism that makes him a standout in any team he plays in, and he’s a nuisance for anyone defending him.  His experience will be a huge asset to the Highlanders next year, and we’re delighted to have him,” he said.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said Gear’s re-commitment showed his strength of character as a professional rugby player.

“We know how close Hosea was this year, and I think it shows an incredible amount of maturity and tenacity to decide he still has his eye on a black jersey and that’s fantastic.

“While this will obviously be a disappointment for Hurricanes fans, Highlanders fans will no doubt enjoy having him as part of their campaign next year,”
Sorensen said.

Hosea Gear said:  “The past few weeks have been challenging, with lots of soul-searching and discussions with my family about what was best for me, and for them.

“It was not an easy decision to leave the Hurricanes, but I believe I am making the best decision for me.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the team environment with the New Zealand Maori team under Jamie last year, and I’m looking forward to joining him and the Highlanders,” he said.

2009 Steinlager Rugby Award nominees announced

Posted on Nov 20, 2009 in Rugby News

The nominees for this year’s Steinlager Rugby Awards, New Zealand’s premier rugby awards, have been announced.

The Steinlager Rugby Awards recognise and acknowledge the achievements of New Zealand’s teams, coaches, players, referees and volunteers in 2009. The ceremony will be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, on Thursday 17 December and broadcast live on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.

A new name is being introduced for the award which annually recognises the great contribution volunteers make to community rugby. The winner of this year’s volunteer award will be honoured with the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year trophy, named after the man who introduced rugby to New Zealand. Nominees are Otago’s Blair Crawford, Auckland’s David Hickey and Peter Te Tai from Southland.

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The man who gave NZ rugby to be honoured at Rugby Awards

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in Rugby News

Charles Monro, the man who introduced rugby to New Zealand, will be honoured annually at the Steinlager Rugby Awards with an award re-named in his memory.

Starting at this year’s Steinlager Awards, the prestigious Rugby Volunteer of the Year Award will be known as the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year Award.

Monro is recognised as the man who brought the game of rugby to New Zealand having observed and played the game while studying at Christ’s College, Finchley, in London. On his return to New Zealand he organised the first game of rugby in May 1870 between the Nelson Football Club and Nelson College and later organised the first inter-district game of rugby when a group from Nelson Football Club played a Wellington selection at Petone in September that year.

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BNZ signs up as new Rebel Sport Super 14 partner

Posted on Nov 11, 2009 in Rugby News

BNZ will be the new major sponsor of the five New Zealand Rebel Sport Super 14 teams.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen welcomed BNZ as the new sponsor of the Super Rugby teams the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders at an official announcement in Auckland today.

Mr Sorensen said that with BNZ’s network of stores around the country and about 5,000 staff, the new partnership offered great opportunities for promoting Rebel Sport Super 14 around New Zealand.

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2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 squads named

Posted on Nov 11, 2009 in Rugby News

The five New Zealand squads in the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 were announced at a special event in Auckland today.

Coaching teams for the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) officials spent the last two days finalising their squads for the new season.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said there was great strength across all five squads with an injection of new blood, and the retention of experienced players.

“The abundance of quality talent has made this a very challenging process. However, it is great that the franchises have worked solidly through this process in a deliberate and professional manner,” Mr Sorensen said.

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