Collins heads for early retirement

Right time: Collins said the time is right for him to step back from the game

All Blacks and Hurricanes flanker Jerry Collins has retired from his rugby obligations in New Zealand, and as of yet it is uncertain what the future holds for him.

He has been released from his New Zealand Rugby Union contract and is planning on taking a break from the game with immediate effect.

It was believed he would be joining the mass exodus to Europe but he told a press conference in Wellington that he had no overseas contracts and will not be rushing into making a decision at this stage.

"I've been thinking about things for a while and I know in my heart that it's time to step back," said the 27-year-old.

"That's just where I'm at."

Speculation over his future began to increase when he took the last conversion of the game in the Hurricanes' 22-33 Super 14 semi-final defeat against the Crusaders on Saturday.

Collins said he would always be grateful for the opportunities his Norths club, the Wellington Lions, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks had given him.

Collins was reticent talking about himself but said he had always been committed to every minute of every game and that was the way he wanted to leave the game.

A 48-Test veteran with the All Blacks, including three as captain, he played 47 times for Wellington since 1999 and had eight seasons with the Hurricanes during which time he played 85 games.

"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," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"He has always had a real physicality about his game, but what has impressed us most as All Blacks coaches is the way he has worked at other aspects of his play and developed into a far more complete player."

All Blacks forward coach Steve Hansen acknowledged that Collins had always been his own man who did things his own way, a formula with which he served the All Blacks well during his career.

"He's one of those players you can rely on to front up on game day," Hansen said.

"He was always focused on the task at hand, and didn't get distracted by the occasion, or the opposition."

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said Collins was an outstanding player and leader who would be sorely missed.

"He has put his body on the line for his team-mates time and time again without a single complaint and played the game to the very highest level," Cooper said.

"But JC is far more than simply a great player, he is also an inspiration to those around him and has had a massive influence on the players and coaches he has worked with."