Munster linked with Collins
by Mark Doyle, 12 May 2008
Munster are reportedly keen on signing All Blacks back row Jerry Collins.
It was claimed last week that the Hurricanes star was actively seeking an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union to facilitate a lucrative move to the northern hemisphere.
And while Collins denied this, he did express an interest in following many of his former All Blacks team-mates overseas.
“That’s just a fact of life,” the blindside flanker said of the exodus of New Zealand’s top talent to Europe. “And I’m entitled to it.
”I’m not saying my loyalties are divided or anything. But after 10 years doing the same job for the same team in the same city, yeah, why not?”
According to the Irish Examiner, Munster chiefs have now entered the race to sign Collins, who, the paper claims, is also being courted by Llanelli Scarlets and Toulon.
However, an insider told the paper that a deal is still “a long way down the road” given current head coach Declan Kidney will be quitting the province this summer to take over as Ireland boss.
As a result, Munster are unlikely to make an official approach until the new man is in charge.