Collins made his debut in 2001 and won 48 caps for New Zealand

Former New Zealand captain Jerry Collins has signed a three-year contract with French club Toulon.

He becomes the sixth All Black to join the First Division side, following Tana Umaga, Andrew Mehrtens, Anton Oliver, Saimone Taumoepeau and Nathan Mauger.

Collins, 27, will arrive in France next month and is likely to feature in the club's August pre-season friendlies.

The back-row forward ended his career in New Zealand last month when he requested a release from his contract.

Collins had a year left on his deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union but wanted to play abroad.

The former Wellington Hurricanes loose forward made his Test debut against Argentina in Christchurch in 2001 and went on to win 48 caps, including three as captain.

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Collins is the 11th player to quit the All Blacks following last year's failed World Cup campaign.

Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Doug Howlett are all now plying their trade in Europe.

Nick Evans (England) and Reuben Thorne (Japan) have signed contracts to play overseas while Keith Robinson retired through injury.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has a preferred policy of picking players who ply their trade in New Zealand.

Toulon won automatic promotion from the French Second Division, Pro D2, as champions and have a star-studded squad, including former Australia scrum-half George Gregan and World Cup-winning English wing Dan Luger.