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Collazo to wait before next move

Patrice Collazo
Collazo lifted the 2006 European Challenge Cup (Getty Images)

Gloucester prop Patrice Collazo has admitted he does not know where he will move to next after being released.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has a three game mini-tour with the Barbarians, including a farewell game at Kingsholm.

"I'll play my tour for the Barbarians, then I'll make the decision," he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"I might have an opportunity in France, I want to play for two more seasons. My body is OK, my family like it here, so maybe I'll stay in England."

After only playing seven games this season following Nick Wood's emergence as first-choice loose-head prop, Collazo is diplomatic about not being offered a new contract at Gloucester.

"Maybe the coach wants new faces for next season, I wanted to finish my career in Gloucester but that's not possible - I understand.

I don't understand why we didn't win anything in the last two seasons, we have the best group of players in England - I am very sad and very disappointed

Patrice Collazo

"I didn't think I'd finish my career with another team in England, but that's life and now I want to move forward."

Collazo's career at Kingsholm covered six seasons and 79 games in two spells, having been brought to the club by Philippe Saint-Andre in 2001 and again as one of Nigel Melville's last signings in 2005.

He was part of the sides which won the Premiership final in 2002 and the European Challenge Cup in 2006, but the inability to convert top-of-the-table finishes into silverware in the past two years is his major regret.

"When I came back, I wanted to help Gloucester win trophies. Personally, I am lucky because I played in two finals for Gloucester and I won them both, I've never lost in a final for Gloucester.

"I don't understand why we didn't win anything in the last two seasons, the squad is very strong and we have a lot of good players, for me we have the best group of players in England - I am very sad and very disappointed."


see also
Collazo's final game at Kingsholm
21 May 08 |  Gloucester
Baa-Baas pick Vainikolo & Balshaw
20 May 08 |  Rugby Union
Thomas to make Barbarians debut
29 Mar 08 |  Rugby Union
Barbarians to play at Gloucester
20 Feb 08 |  Gloucester
Gloucester snap up prop Collazo
25 Apr 05 |  English


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