Gear turns down the Yen
The Highlanders' All Black wing Hosea Gear has turned down an offer from Japanese club Toshiba and is staying in New Zealand.
The Otago Daily Times reported that Gear said he wanted to stay and fight for a place in the All Black squad, and will most probably be playing for the Highlanders next year.
Gear, a specialist wing, missed out on the 35-man All Black training squad named last week, but may still be seen in the black jersey next month after injuries to Cory Jane and Richard Kahui.
The All Black squad to play Ireland in three Tests next month will be named on June 3.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen earlier admitted that Gear's prospects were clouded by his future being in Japan rather than New Zealand.
But with Gear now dedicating himself to the Kiwi cause, he could find himself back in favour.
He has had a rollercoaster ride in the All Blacks that included being a last-minute call-up into the All Blacks World Cup squad for the semifinal when Mils Muliaina was injured.
The 28-year-old has played eight tests since 2008.