WELLINGTON – Jerry Collins’ former teammates and the community he so proudly represented said farewell to the 34 year old on Wednesday morning (NZT) as he was remembered as one of the “rugby greats”.
The sold out Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, a suburb in Wellington heard how Collins’ used his very last movements to protect their baby daughter Ayla Collins.
It was a who’s who of New Zealand Rugby Union as they all gathered to remember Collins who died after a car crash in France almost two weeks ago.
Among the speakers was Collins’ cousin and All Black great Tana Umaga as well as Collins close friend Chris Masoe, former Wellington Hurricanes’ team mate Conrad Smith, All Black Manager Darren Shand and Ma’a Nonu.
He was remembered as a very straight up but loving person and who just loved playing rugby.