It's quite possibly been the worst kept secret in New Zealand over the past few months, and as of Monday we were let in on it - Jerry Collins is departing from our shores.

However, in a strange twist Collins has yet to sign with another club. This makes him, for the moment anyway, officially unemployed. Collins will line up for the Barbarians when they take on England in a couple of weeks, and there's sure to be a few European clubs keeping an eye on him.

In the meantime, he could always return to his roots of picking up rubbish bags on the streets of Porirua...

Collins has been a standout loose-forward for Wellington and the Hurricanes, and he's played in 48 Tests for the All Blacks - including 3 as captain. Who will ever forget his infamous captain's speech after beating Argentina? Absolutely priceless, we think.

Often criticized for being one-dimensional, Collins never let it bother him, and he's become renowned as one of rugby's toughest players. Of all the quotes that we could use to sum up Jerry, we think this one does it the best -

"If you hit a brick wall hard enough, it'll fall down."

Jerry really does have a way with words - of that, there is no doubt.

He'll best be remembered for doing things his own way, will Collins. Whether it was playing club rugby (for the Porirua club, Norths) while he was meant to be resting, or taking a 'bathroom' break (say, what?) on the field, Collins certainly never worried about public opinion. New Zealand rugby could benefit from having a few more players of his caliber, and with his attitude, we believe.

His departure, though, has opened the door for guys like Liam Messam, Kieran Reid, and Jerome Kaino, who will all be eyeing up his test jersey. His spot, and his replacement, will be an interesting one to keep an eye on.

In his press conference on Monday, Collins hinted at a possible return to New Zealand shores down the track. Well, whether he returns or not - we'll always remember him as one of the true great characters of New Zealand rugby.

Jerry - a tribute...