Rugby: Ospreys' hopes high

Jerry Collins will play for Welsh club Ospreys. Photo / Getty Images

Welsh club Ospreys believe they can make their new recruit Jerry Collins the best he has ever been.

Ospreys coach Sean Holley admits he is "pleasantly surprised" they have lured Collins to South Wales, after the former All Black's two seasons on the Mediterranean with Toulon.

And Holley suspects that there is still more to come from the New Zealand flanker. "Maybe we haven't seen the best of Jerry Collins yet," said Holley. "He can prove himself again as one of the best in the world. He definitely remains one of the best around. He has had a couple of years trying to settle down and find continuity and a place that suits him."

Collins' departure from Toulon was not unexpected and rumours have circulated that the former All Black had had enough of life at the French club, just as his ex-All Black mate Anton Oliver had, a year earlier.

But Holley dismissed suggestions that Ospreys might be taking on a difficult character. "I don't think he will be a difficult customer in any way. Perhaps he is a product of that environment [at Toulon]. Maybe cultural factors explain what has happened at Toulon, I don't know.

"But we have a structure in place to keep him focused and in a good place. Therefore, I am sure he will produce what he is really capable of with us."

Holley believes the New Zealand link was a key factor in Collins' decision to switch from the French Top 14 club to a side in the Magners League and Heineken Cup.

"We have a proven track record of accommodating top-class New Zealanders like Justin Marshall, Marty Holah and Filo Tiatia. They seem to like our environment and I am sure a recommendation from these players went to Jerry."

What does Holley expect Collins to bring Ospreys next season? "He is a proven ball carrier which is what we were looking for as a direct replacement for Filo. Jerry can add so much to what we have, both on and off the field.

"He is still only 28 which surprises a lot of people. He will have a full pre-season with us and that will make a big difference. In professional rugby these days, a full pre-season is vital.

"Jerry Collins definitely has an aura about him but he is upfront. He doesn't sit back on that. If you want someone who is determined and quite abrasive, he is ideal. He suits our style perfectly and we can't wait to have him on board."