WORCESTER-bound Rico Gear has had the hardships of professional rugby rammed home in the last two months.

Since wife Taina gave birth to their first child, Whaimauri, eight weeks ago, touring commitments with the Canterbury Crusaders, Junior All Blacks and All Blacks meant he has spent just two weeks with his family.

Then, two weeks after Whaimauri was born, Gear was dropped from the All Blacks with coach Graham Henry opting for Doug Howlett. Ironically, with Howlett now on paternity leave, Gear was surprisingly recalled to New Zealand's starting line-up in Saturday's Tri-Nations loss to Australia when he led the traditional pre-match Haka.

Gear, 29, revealed Worcester's commitment to take his family situation into account convinced him to reject other offers from other clubs to join the Warriors next season. He said: "That was one of the more important things.

"They probably catered more for my family better than anyone else in terms of time being away.

"The majority of games are only an hour or two away and we are straight back afterwards.

"It's been pretty tough (not seeing his son) but I am here for rugby as well. It's the biggest year, so I have to give it a good crack."