Collins agrees Ospreys switch

Former New Zealand flanker Jerry Collins will leave Toulon this summer after agreeing a move to the Ospreys.

The 28-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Welsh side and will make the switch once the French Top 14 season has finished next weekend.

The Ospreys confirmed the signing of Collins late last night, with elite performance director Andrew Hore telling the club's website: "He is a proven world-class performer, who brings with him both a real hard edge and 'go-forward' ability, as well as an uncompromising attitude on and off the field.

"He will complement the other loose forwards that we have at the Ospreys, and importantly, will be available for selection throughout the season, providing valuable cover for the times when we lose so many players to the Welsh side."

Hore added: "There are occasions where we need to go outside of the region to identify and recruit true leaders in their field, who can help to develop and nurture our own young talent. In Jerry Collins we have certainly got a true leader."

Collins, who made the last of his 48 appearances for the All Blacks in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, joined Toulon last summer.