KEY POINTS:
All Black flanker Jerry Collins is staying in New Zealand for now.
The New Zealand Rugby Union detailed the latest departure list with Nick Evans joining Harlequins and Caleb Ralph going to Japan but were adamant Collins had not asked for an early release from his contract.
"That's news to us," NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorenson said yesterday.
"Jerry and his representatives have not contacted us and he is currently contracted through to the end of 2009."
The Daily Mail claimed Collins had asked for an early clearance to join the exodus of top players leaving for Europe but the accuracy of recent media reports from the UK has been questionable.
Many newspapers reported that northern hemisphere unions were opposed to the introduction of the ELVs and that the International Rugby Board would reject the idea.
From August 1, there will be a variety of global trials for the law variations.
Collins has made no secret of his wish to continue his career in Europe.
The tough-tackling Collins may also have an out clause in his contract but that could only be activated after the June 1 announcement of the initial All Black squad for this season.
The 27-year-old flanker has missed the Hurricanes' last few games because of a rib injury but expects to be fit for what looms as a Super 14 quarter-final against the Blues at Eden Park in the final round of the series.
