Jerry Collins says expetations on the Ospreys existed before his arrival

Jerry Collins says expectations of success are more realistic at the Ospreys than they were at his former club Toulon.

Collins left the French Top 14 club after an unhappy season there and is aware of the expectations on Ospreys' shoulders in the coming season.

"I think probably over here it's [expectation] more realistic," he said.

"In France, they [Toulon] had won the second division and they wanted to win the first division and do it unbeaten."

Toulon struggled for much of last season and climbed out of the relegation zone towards the end to finish ninth.

Former New Zealand back row star Collins was speaking after his home debut in the second half of Saturday's win over Leeds.

But he emphasised expectations on the Ospreys existed prior to his summer signing.

606: DEBATE What impact will Collins have for the Ospreys?

"I understand it's [expectation] there and it'll hang over during the majority of the year," he added.

"But to be honest, I've got nothing to do with that - it was here before I got here so hopefully this year we go a long way towards giving us the best chance to change it around."

Ospreys coach Sean Holley has expectations of Collins, believing his outing against Leeds did not show his true potential.

He also praised full-back Barry Davies, the former Scarlets player who signed from Brive, and Porthcawl teenager Tom Prydie.

Holley said: "He put a couple of hits in, had a couple of runs, but I think there's a bit more to come from Jerry.

"But Barry Davies was really good. He showed he's going to be strong competition for Lee [Byrne] and special mention, I suppose, goes to Tom Prydie, who is still in school, 17, a local boy and I've got to say didn't look out of place."

Holley is also looking forward to back-row forward Jonathan Thomas' return from groin problems as the season beckons.

"Jonathan's back in training with us again next week so that's good news," he added.

"That's what we need, a lot of competition. It's a long old season with a lot of international call-ups so we need strength in depth and we're well aware of that."

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