Rugby: Collins released from hospital

Hurricane Jerry Collins in a neck brace after a collision during last night's match against the Crusaders. Photo / Reuters

All Black and Hurricane flanker Jerry Collins has been released from hospital after sustaining what was initially thought to be a serious neck injury during a Super 14 rugby game at Jade Stadium last night.

Collins was injured in the 46th minute of the game when he and fellow flanker Chris Masoe tackled Crusaders second five-eighth Rua Tipoki.

Hurricanes media spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead told NZPA Collins spent the night in Christchurch Hospital and saw a specialist this morning.

Speaking from Christchurch airport, Mr Rossiter-Stead said he was about to board a flight to Wellington with Collins. Collins was wearing a neck-brace, but only needed to do so for a few hours.

Mr Rossiter-Stead said as with any injury Collins would go through a rehabilitative process. He could not say when Collins would play again, but said it would not be next weekend.

- NZPA