Aviva Premiership
Sale pull plug on Collins move
ESPNscrum Staff
July 8, 2011
James Collins in action for Worcester, Worcester v Olympus Madrid, January 16, 2010
Collins will be forced to search for a new club following the news his move to Sale has been called off © Getty Images
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Sale have announced former Worcester backrow James Collins will not be joining the Premiership side.

Collins was part of a major recruitment campaign mounted by Sale's executive director of sport Steve Diamond ahead of the new Aviva Premiership campaign. But Sale have announced that Collins will not now be heading to Edgeley Park after extensive medical screening revealed he has not recovered from a previous injury.

Diamond said: "It's a big disappointment for James and for Sale Sharks, but we have to consider the player's welfare. We wish him well in his future career." Collins has not been able to take part in Sale's pre-season training and his prospects of a return to action are described as "some way off".

The 25-year-old has not played since suffering concussion in Worcester's Championship play-off match against Nottingham on March 26. The collision, which saw Collins carried from the field in a stretcher and wearing a neck brace, occurred just three days after Sale announced his signing. Collins was out of contract with Worcester and is now a free agent.

"We are sorry that this situation has arisen, and extend to James our best wishes for his long-term future," added Sale chief executive Mick Hogan.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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