 Jerry Collins lays the ball back against Wales in 2006 |
The Ospreys have signed ex-All Blacks' back-row forward Jerry Collins, according to reports in New Zealand. Collins, 28, is currently with French side Toulon where his cousin and fellow ex-All Black Tana Umaga is coach. Collins' manager Tim Castle told the NZ Sunday News: "The Ospreys and Jerry are coming together for the next couple of years, I can confirm that." The Ospreys also confirmed Collins would be their first major signing under Scott Johnson. Collins announced his retirement from international rugby in May 2008 and despite Toulon having a star-studded squad, the French club's progress has been dogged by difficulties.  | 606: DEBATE |
The Samoan-born forward made 48 appearances in the All Blacks' back-row, starting against Argentina in 2003 and ending in New Zealand's 20-18 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in Cardiff. Castle added: "Jerry played his 20th game for Toulon... and it's acknowledged by the club that he's played a critical role in keeping Toulon up in the Top 14. "Jerry is excited about the new challenge of playing for the Ospreys and also the opportunity to play in the Heineken Cup. "He recognises the great traditions of the two clubs [Swansea and Neath] which merge to form the Ospreys, as well as the great tradition of the game in Wales and these are factors in his move."
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