Collins, capped 48 times by the All Blacks, will move to the Magners League outfit from French club Toulon after agreeing a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old has struggled to make an impact in France, but his pedigree is unquestioned, and he will join an Ospreys squad that already boasts international back-row players such as his fellow New Zealander Marty Holah and Wales captain Ryan Jones.

Collins made his Test debut against Argentina in 2001, going on to captain the All Blacks three times. He played in all three Tests of the British and Irish Lions' 2005 New Zealand tour.

His last Test match appearance was the 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat against France in Cardiff.

Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore said: "Jerry Collins is a proven world-class performer who brings with him both a real hard edge and 'go-forward' ability, as well as an uncompromising attitude on and off the field.

"He will complement the other loose forwards that we have at the Ospreys, and importantly, will be available for selection throughout the season, providing valuable cover for the times when we lose so many players to the Wales side.

"The Ospreys remain 100% committed to producing home-grown talent, and are immensely proud of our record in bringing through players for both the Ospreys and Wales teams.

"As we have shown before, there are occasions where we need to go outside of the region to identify and recruit true leaders in their field who can help to develop and nurture our own young talent.

"In Jerry Collins, we have certainly got a true leader."