Rugby: Robinson on move but no word on Gear

Robbie Robinson has gone north with the blessing of the Highlanders, but there is no progress on the signing of All Black winger Hosea Gear.

Robinson, the Southland utility back, announced yesterday he had signed for the Chiefs for next season, and would link up with his former New Zealand Colts coach Dave Rennie at the Hamilton-based franchise.

Rennie has already signed young forwards Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick over the past few weeks along with former All Black first five-eighth Aaron Cruden.

Rennie praised Robinson yesterday, saying his versatility was a key and would be needed in a long and demanding campaign.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said Robinson had indicated his preference was to play at fullback and with Ben Smith and Kurt Baker options to play there he decided to look elsewhere.

"It was a hard decision for Robbie to make but he goes with our blessing. He wants to play fullback and feels going up there will be his best chance to do that," Joseph said.

"You've got to have players stay here for the right reasons - be comfortable in the environment and part of the culture. I could have made all these promises and said he would play at fullback but you've got to be honest to the guy."

Joseph said he had talked the issue through with Robinson and both had weighed up the pros and cons of the move.

Robinson, who turns 22 later this month, was not contracted by the Highlanders, and Joseph said he would be very much missed as there were not many players around who could play both the pivot position and fullback.

"Any man who is only 22 still has a lot of potential in him . . . but Robbie moving on means another position has opened up."

Joseph said the franchise had no-one in mind to take Robinson's spot.

Robinson has always shown some glimpses of talent for the Highlanders but has some deficiencies in his game, which were exposed at times. His goal kicking was also poor for the Highlanders last season, struggling to get to a 50% success rate.

With Mils Muliaina leaving the Chiefs for Japan, Robinson is chasing the No 15 jersey with Counties-Manukau custodian Tim Nanai-Williams.

A possible candidate to replace Robinson could have been his Southland team-mate, James Wilson, but he is leaving New Zealand at the end of the season to join a French club.

With franchise direct contracting, players from any province could sign for the Highlanders so players from Otago and Southland do not have the inside running.

Joseph said there was nothing to report on the possible signing of All Black winger Gear. Gear was busy with All Black commitments and Joseph said there was no indication when a decision would be made by the big winger.

No news was good news, he hoped.

Gear had come to Dunedin last month to be shown training facilities and Forsyth Barr Stadium by Joseph as the Highlanders tried to sign the Hurricanes player.

He was off contract with the Wellington-based franchise.

Meanwhile, Otago hooker Liam Coltman has been linked with a move to the Hurricanes.

The Highlanders have already signed two hookers next year in Andrew Hore and Jason Rutledge, and Coltman (21), who hails from Taranaki, would be a logical fit to head to the capital.