THE WORLD OF rugby was devastated this morning to learn of the death of All-Black legend Jerry Collins in a car crash in France.
The 34-year-old and his wife Alana were both killed in the collision, while their three-month old daughter Ayla is believed to be critically injured.
Teammates past and prsesnt, opponents and thousands of fans have been expressing their sadness at the news, as well as celebrating some of their favourite moments from the hard-as-nails backrow’s career.
One story in particular that people have been telling about Collins sums up just how much love the bleached haired flanker had for rugby.
After the 2007 World Cup in France, Collins was on holidays in Devon, when he was spotted in a local cafe by a member of Barnstaple Rugby Club.
Collins visited the club, who were dumbfounded when he asked if he could get a run out with them that weekend.
Since he wasn’t registered, he could only play for a junior team at the club, so just a few weeks after playing in the World Cup quarter final, Jerry Collins found himself playing for the Barnstaple seconds team, much to the surprise of the poor opposition.
Collins took his affair with the club even further shortly after, by wearing the club’s socks while on duty for the Barbarians at Twickenham, and he even returned to the club that December to watch their traditional Boxing Day derby against Bideford.
For his troubles, Collins was fined by the New Zealand Rugby Union for playing without their permission.
The best tribute you could possibly find to a truly great player.
