Jerry Collins has suggested moving to Europe sooner rather than later. Photo / Brett Phibbs
All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins is strongly considering joining the rugby talent drain to Europe.
While he had said earlier that he can see himself playing in either England or France, he seems keen to move sooner than later.
The Wellington and Hurricanes hardman, regarded as one of
the leading loose forwards in the world, said this week he was thinking about moving more regularly but preferred to avoid big cities such as London and Paris.
"At the moment, I am thinking about it every day," he said told French daily sports newspaper L'Equipe.
"It isn't a secret, I see myself leaving. I would love to take part in the European Cup, which I watch on TV. Either in England or France."
Among his All Blacks teammates who moved to Europe after last year's World Cup are Aaron Mauger, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Anton Oliver and Luke McAlister.
His Wellington and Hurricanes teammate Tana Umaga is coaching in France.
"I am not guided by money but by the desire of an adventure in a city which supports its team," Collins said.
"I don't really want to go to a big city. In London or Paris, it is too hectic, too big. I would lose myself there."
Ambitious officials from the Newport-Gwent Dragons club in Wales were in New Zealand last month looking to land themselves a big-name All Black signing or two for the next northern season.
Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins and coach Paul Turner were in New Zealand on a scouting mission and told media in Wales they were confident of picking All Blacks who could help lift the club.
Jenkins said they had discussions with a number of All Blacks, and they were hopeful of securing the services of some who could prove influential figures at the club.
The success of former Blues and Auckland skipper Xavier Rush at the Cardiff-based Blues has shown the sort of influence the right sort of signing can have, and the Dragons seem determined to follow a similar pathway.
"We are looking at possible recruits available to us," Jenkins told the Welsh newspaper South Wales Echo.
"Everybody knows we are excited about the crop of exciting Welsh talent, but we also need some experienced players."
- NZPA
