NEW Zealand star Rico Gear admits his move to the Guinness Premiership with Worcester Warriors can't come soon enough.

The 30-year-old All Blacks winger, the veteran of 17 Test caps for his country, is planning to light up the Sixways stadium next season and prove his credentials as one of the best finishers in world rugby.

He gave notice on Saturday that he is still one of world rugby's top try scorers by scoring in the All Blacks' defeat against Australia in Melbourne.

Gear is Worcester's third New Zealand signing this year and is looking forward to joining forces with international team-mates Greg Rawlinson and Sam Tuitupou in a new look Warriors outfit in 2007-08.

"It's time for a new challenge and I am excited about Worcester's plans as a team and the environment that the players are in is quite stimulating," said Gear.

"You are only as old as you feel and I have been injury free for a few seasons now so it's about managing that and going over there in good condition.

"I have been planning for this moment (leaving New Zealand) for the past four to six years so it was always on the cards and it was just a matter of timing and whether my body would hold up for me to go."

Gear's glittering career has seen him experience Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup glory with New Zealand as well as Super 14 success with the Crusaders.

Only the World Cup is missing from his CV and he has the chance to put that right in less than three months with the All Blacks firmly installed as this year's pre-tournament favourites.

After he brings the curtain down on his international career, Gear's focus will switch to Worcester and he is ready to assume the mantle as one the Warriors' key players for the next three years.

"People talk about the Super 14 being the best club rugby competition in the world, but the Guinness Premiership is also very competitive given the number of past New Zealand players who now play in England," he said.

"It's something I am looking forward to. I have never been to Worcester before but I know Aleki Lutui from his time in New Zealand and I know the club is determined to get away from the bottom and win the Premiership for the first time."

Gear will arrive in Worcester with his wife and new baby son Whaimauri who is eight weeks old.

"It's going to be an exciting time for us," he said.