Ospreys Welcome Collins

Former All Black back-rower Jerry Collins, 28, has signed two-year contract with Welsh Liberty Stadium side the Ospreys having arrived from French team Toulon. Collins says he is taking nothing for granted at his new club. “There’s a very strong squad here with options everywhere,” said the 48-cap man, now retired from Test rugby. “I will have to earn the right to wear the shirt, which is exactly how it should be.” 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. “It’s not about past reputations. Fitness and form is what dictates whether someone is going to play,” Collins says. “There are three or four familiar faces from New Zealand [in the Ospreys squad] which certainly helps you to settle in, but the welcome from everyone has been first class.”