Ospreys have made a surprise swoop for Toulon flanker Jerry Collins, with the Welsh rugby region confirming the signing via Elite performance director Andrew Hore – calling Collins a “world class performer”.  Presumably this frees up the money for Toulon to sign English legend Jonny Wilkinson at outside half.

The Ospreys have been reliant on playing Tom Smith, with Jonathon Thomas spending most of the season injured.  Whilst there is a suggestion that he has some promise he is far from regional level yet.  His strength at the breakdown has seen him repeatedly shoved off the ball whilst he has also given away penalties time and again.

So sensibly Scott Johnson, the new Ospreys director of rugby (or was it director of coaching? Either way he is the new head honcho) has looked to bring in a talent – and what a huge talent Jerry Collins is.  Only 28 and one of the best 6′s in the world, with the added bonus he is retired from international rugby.

This leads to questions over Filo Tiatia’s playing future.  Whilst he has again been immense this season towards the end there was suggestions of tiredness coming into his games, looking a tad lazier at the breakdown.  I am sure he could continue to do a job from the bench for the Ospreys but having signed a contract as a ‘contact coach’ this could well see him pack his boots up – especially as Jerry Collins takes up a Non-Welsh Qualified spot as well.

Is this signing of Jerry Collins just another example of the Ospreys being ‘Chequebook Charlies’?  Yes.  But this is great signing in my opinion, not just splashing the cash for the sake of it but addressing an area that needed strengthening by bringing in a world class player who will provide a lift and leadership to those around him.

The Ospreys were shown up at the breakdown time and again this season.  In part because of tactics, in part because of players.  Munster, Leicester and even Gloucester were better than them there.  This is a step towards addressing the problem.

A backrow with 3 from Marty Holah, Ben Lewis, Jonathon Thomas, Ryan Jones and Jerry Collins?  Sounds quality – and that’s assuming that Tiatia retires.

What do you guys think of the Ospreys signing Jerry Collins?  Use the comments below to let me know.

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