Collins announced his retirement from Test rugby in May 2008

Former Wales captain Eddie Butler has questioned whether Ospreys new signing Jerry Collins will fit in.

The 28-year-old former All Blacks' back-row has signed a two-year deal from French side Toulon.

Butler told BBC Wales Scrum V programme that fitness, style of play and the effect on Welsh internationals were all a concern.

"There is the doubt that he hasn't been in the All Blacks set up for some time," said Butler.

"He's been playing for Toulon in France who have been in relegation trouble all season.

"We don't know if he's that well equipped to deal with the game as it is now played and things change so quickly.

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"Fitness was always a concern with Jerry Collins and it will be interesting to see what shape he's in."

And Butler also voiced concerns about what effect overseas players like Collins coming in may have on the region's Wales internationals who could lose their place as a result.

"If you are trying to keep Welsh international players happy and they are not playing, it can have the reverse effect," he added.

"It's quite a delicate situation."

But despite his concerns over Collins, Butler did accept that the Ospreys have the potential for a good signing.

"There's the obvious Jerry Collins who is in your face, but actually he's got great skills," he said.

"When he was in his peak with the All Blacks, they extracted those bits of dexterity to add to the obvious physical Jerry Collins.

"You need both."

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