All Blacks flanker Jerry Collins has asked for an early release from his New Zealand Rugby Union contract to pursue big-money offers in the north, according to media reports in the UK.

The Daily Mail newspaper has reported that Collins is finally ready to make the move north after making no secret of his desire to take his high-impact, hard-hitting game to the European scene.

"The flanker, whose tackling ferocity once earned him the title of the world's most feared player, has asked the New Zealand Rugby Union to release him from his contract at the end of the Super 14 series later this month," the Mail's rugby writer said.

"The revelation will alert every major English and Welsh club."

Bath have apparently already signalled their interest in the 27-year-old 48-test loose forward, but if he was able to secure an early release from his NZRU contract it would be expected that a number of other cashed-up clubs both sides of the Channel would join the chase.

Collins' New Zealand contract runs through until the end of 2009 but it's understood the interest in him from English premiership clubs in particular has persuaded him to look at an early release.

It's not known at this stage in what light the NZRU would view such a request, particularly given the alarming number of top-flight All Blacks already on the northern gravy train.

Seven of last year's World Cup squad took up contracts in the north following the global tournament and already this year we've had confirmation that Nick Evans is joining them. Star All Black first five Dan Carter is also weighing massive offers from French and English clubs and is expected to take up a short-term deal that would see him back in New Zealand in plenty of time to contend for the next World Cup.

Whether the NZRU view Collins as a candidate for their "sabbatical" scheme remains to be seen. And whether he's also looking at a short or long-term deal in the north is also up for discussion.

Collins does have a child in England and last year stayed on after the World Cup to visit friends in Devon. He caused a media sensation at the time when he turned out for the Barnstaple second XV against Newton Abbott and scored a try on debut.

The talk now is he will be linking with an English team of a much higher level. The ball appears to be in the NZRU's court.