Jerry Collins was laid to rest yesterday as thousands turned out to honour the great All Black, who died in a car crash, along with his partner Alana, recently. Touching tributes were made by great friends Chris Masoe, Tana Umaga, Ma’a Nonu and Jonah Lomu.
Some great stories were told by former teammates Nonu and Conrad Smith in particular, while the likes of Richie McCaw, Piri Weepu and Sonny Bill Williams were all in attendance, amongst other All Blacks past and present.
Michael Jones spoke fondly of Collins and the impact he had on the sport, while Lomu and Alama Ieremia spoke of what a loyal man JC was.
While Collins’ baby daughter Ayla remains in critical condition in hospital in Montpellier, it was revealed that he gave her a fighting chance by shielding her from the impact of the crash.
A fund setup in New Zealand to raise financial support for young Ayla has raised over $45,000 so far. If you’d like to contribute to it in any way possible, please visit here.
credit: OneNewsNZ/NZAUTV Rugby Union
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