Jerry Collins dies at age of 34 after car crash in France
Friday 5 June 2015 16:39, UK
Former New Zealand captain Jerry Collins has died at the age of 34 after his car was hit by a bus in southern France,
Back-rower Collins, who was capped 48 times by the All Blacks, died along with his partner Alana Madill near the town of Beziers.
The couple's two-month-old daughter Ayla was also in the car, and survived the crash, but she is reported to be in a serious condition in a Montpellier hospital.
He made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2001 but his international career ended at just 26 when they lost to France in the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff.
Collins played in France for Toulon in 2008 and 2009 before joining the Ospreys and, after a spell in Japan, he recently returned to the country to join ProD2 side Narbonne.
He started his career back at home with the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes, who held a minute's silence ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Otago Highlanders in Napier.
Speaking ahead of that match, Hurricanes coach Jamie Joseph, who played with Collins for New Zealand, paid this tribute to his former team-mate: “It’s really horrible, really sad. For me he epitomises the word 'tough' and the game of rugby. I just really feel for his family right now.”
Another former All Black and Hurricanes team-mate, Christian Cullen told Sky Sports NZ. "It’s tragic news. He was a big part of Hurricanes rugby and New Zealand rugby in general."
Hurricanes Chief Executive James Te Puni said in a statement, "We are shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jerry and his wife Alana passing.
"Obviously Jerry was a special part of both the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions over the years.
"He was one of the toughest and most uncompromising forwards to ever play for the All Blacks and his ferocious tackling and intimidating presence made him feared by every opponent."
"He was an extraordinary leader and player, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time."
A statement from the All Blacks said: "He was one of the toughest and most uncompromising forwards to ever play for the All Blacks and his ferocious tackling and intimidating presence made him feared by every opponent."
World Cup winner Piri Weepu said on Twitter: "Struggling to think that it's happened.. don't want to believe it!!
"Had the privilege and honour of bleeding with him on the weekends on the field. Words can't express how sad I am brother. RIP big brother JC!"
