All Blacks hardman Jerry Collins has retired from New Zealand rugby, saying the time is right to move on.

"Actually from today, I am unemployed," Collins, 27, told a press conference at New Zealand Rugby Union headquarters in Wellington.

His future plans remain a mystery, perhaps even to him, although there has been conjecture he will move to play in France.

The All Blacks and Hurricanes blindside flanker's last act was to plonk over a last minute conversion in the Hurricanes' Super 14 semifinal defeat by the Crusaders on Saturday.

Collins was contracted to the end of next year but with NZRU and Wellington union support, managed to achieve the "dignified exit" he desired.

He also pointed out that a player could not negotiate with other (overseas) clubs while contracted to the NZRU.

"This is something that I have thought about for a while.

"I have played 10 years in one province, it's a hard place to leave having earned my bread here.

"But it's something everybody goes through - you sit at your desk and wonder could I be somewhere else but those thoughts pass and you never change.

"I've just decided that it is probably the right time for me to bow out and I didn't make lightly. It is something I am happy with."

He said the passion for the All Blacks and the Hurricanes still burned but "it was the time in between" that had led him to his decision.

"I suppose I do the majority of my thinking when I am not in camp," he said.

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