DUBAI // Having recruited Rico Gear to aid their title push in the International Vets tournament at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, Bali Legends now just need to make sure he gets to the right ground.
The former New Zealand wing first cut his teeth in international rugby on the sevens circuit, and he played in the Dubai tournament in 2000 and 2001.
Back then, the event was played at the Exiles ground in Al Awir, which was bulldozed in 2008 to make way for the Meydan project.
The new headquarters for rugby in the Middle East, at The Sevens, Dubai, is 30 kilometres farther down the Al Ain Road into the UAE desert.
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Fortunately, for Gear, who scored 11 Test tries for the All Blacks, his new teammates have followed the path to The Sevens frequently, as regular players in the vets competition.
He has been recruited to provide some scoring prowess for Bali Legends, a charity side initially founded in memory of the 202 people who died in the 2002 Bali bombings, 27 of whom were rugby players.
“I’m expecting the comp to be tough but enjoyable,” Gear said. “I have played in Dubai twice with NZ sevens, but that was a few moons ago.
“I have no idea who we have in our team, but I know a few good players are playing so I will just have to get angry.”
It is fitting that Gear is returning to Dubai at the start of a season that will culminate with the debut of the abbreviated format at the Olympic Games.
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Gear was part of the New Zealand side who won gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, when sevens was played for the first time in the multi-sport event.
“Sevens was a huge stepping stone in my career,” he said. “It grows confidence, fitness and sharpened my skills, thanks to [New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens].
“The Commonwealth Games was a highlight, for sure. Playing alongside some great All Black players in Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen, and having the leadership of Eric Rush to learn from, was invaluable.”
Alix Popham, the former Wales player who will coach Bali Legends, said the team are focused on challenging the perennial contenders Christina Noble, Joining Jack and J9 Legends for the title.
“We have pace outside which is going to add a lot of firepower,” Popham said.
“These players wouldn’t achieved what they did in their careers without a competitive edge. Even though they are getting older, they still want to compete.”
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