Former All Blacks hardman Jerry Collins has become the latest big name signing for free-spending French club Toulon.

Collins, 27, gained an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union last month and has signed a three-year deal with Toulon, which is newly promoted to the French first division for next season after winning the second division.

The announcement see the loose forward link with his cousin, former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, who coaches the club.

"Collins will arrive in mid-July" in time for pre-season training, Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal told AFP.

He will be the club's sixth All Black after Umaga, Andrew Mehrtens, Anton Oliver, Saimone Taumoepeau and Nathan Mauger.

Collins said last month he had made his decision to quit New Zealand rugby despite not having any overseas offers on the table.

"I am probably more of a package kind of guy - if the city's right, the people are good and the culture's there, that far outweighs the money," he said.

Reuters/AFP