Jerry walks out on Tana at Toulon

BY DAVID LONG

EXCLUSIVE: JERRY Collins is leaving Tana Umaga's Toulon to play for the Ospreys next season.

The former All Blacks hard man had a huge game in Toulon's 22-12 win away to Dax yesterday, which kept the star-studded French side in the Top 14 for next season.

But Sunday News can reveal Collins will be leaving Umaga and Sonny Bill Williams behind to move to Wales next season.

It has been a tumultuous season for Collins in southern France as he's had to deal with the team drastically under-performing over the first half of the campaign, while his private life has come under scrutiny from the local media.

Yet despite this, Collins' performances over the last few weeks have been outstanding, showing all the skill and class that won him 48 tests for the All Blacks between 2001 and 2007.

Last night Collins' manager Tim Castle confirmed the move to the Swansea-based outfit.

"The Ospreys and Jerry are coming together for the next couple of years, I can confirm that.

"Jerry played his 20th game for Toulon yesterday 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."

The move to Wales will mean he is just a few hours drive away from his child, who lives across the border in north Devon with his former partner.

Collins will join former All Black Marty Holah at the Ospreys along with other Kiwis Jamie Nutbrown, Filo Tiatia and Sonny Parker.

The Ospreys have been overtaken by the Cardiff Blues as the leading Welsh team over the past couple of years.

Blues coach Dai Young has built a strong side containing some of the best talent in Wales along with a number of experienced New Zealanders and Welsh Rugby Union CEO Roger Lewis says Young has been able to get the mix right.

"There are six Cardiff Blues players going on the Lions tour, they're a team brimming full of Welsh talent," Lewis told Sunday News.

"But then there are some great players they've judiciously signed from overseas, not least Ben Blair, Xavier Rush and Paul Tito.

"Those players have made a great impact on the team and they were very smart, sensible overseas signings.

"One of the things we're deeply concerned about in Wales, as all of the northern hemisphere is, is the number of overseas players coming into the game here but I think the Cardiff Blues have got the mix right.

"They're a side that is developing Welsh talent and Ben in particular has been a revelation this year. We're more than happy to welcome players like Ben Blair, Xavier Rush and Paul Tito."

- © Fairfax NZ News