Collins is 11th player to quit the All Blacks

Published on 26/05/2008 23:31

FORMER All Blacks captain Jerry Collins became the latest high-profile player to quit rugby in his native New Zealand yesterday, the loose forward saying he would take an indefinite break from the game.

Renowned for his hard-hitting style, the 27-year-old added that he was not rushing into making any decisions on his future or considering an overseas contract. "I've been thinking about things for a while and I know in my heart that it's time to step back," Collins said in a statement.

Collins made his debut for the All Blacks in 2001 and played a majority of his 48 Tests as blindside flanker, captaining the team three times. He scored five test tries. "Jerry has been a key member of the All Blacks team for a number of years and played a major role in some of our best performances," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

Collins is the 11th player to quit the All Blacks following last year's failed World Cup campaig with Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Doug Howlett all now in Europe. Nick Evans (England) and Reuben Thorne (Japan) have signed contracts to play overseas while Keith Robinson retired through injury.