The one minute's silence for Jerry Collins at the Hurricanes v Highlanders rugby match at McLean Park, Napier, last night was an emotional moment for players and fans. Photo / Duncan Brown
The one minute's silence for Jerry Collins at the Hurricanes v Highlanders rugby match at McLean Park, Napier, last night was an emotional moment for players and fans. Photo / Duncan Brown
The full stands at Napier's McLean Park stood silent last night as rugby remembered one of its biggest hitters.
French media reported Jerry Collins died with his wife Alana in a highway crash while driving to Montpellier in the south of France yesterday. Their baby daughter was taken to hospitalin a critical condition.
The 34-year-old's death shocked teammates and fans ahead of the Super 15 match against the Highlanders. Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith's eyes were red as he led his team on to the field.
Both teams wore black arm bands and huddled together during a minute's silence.
"Our thoughts are with their families at this very sad time," the ground announcer said as Collins' face flashed across the big screen.
Collins had been attending a testimonial banquet for Samoan rugby player Henry Tuilagi and was driving home along the A9 motorway. Emergency workers said Collins stopped his car by the side of the road for what was believed to be "technical reasons".
He attempted to rejoin traffic but was hit by a bus with 21 people on board, killing him and his wife immediately. His car was reportedly thrown 10m.
Bus drivers freed the baby girl and emergency services took her to Montpellier hospital in a critical condition.
For many in the Napier crowd last night the pre-game announcement and minute's silence was the first they heard of Collins' death, including Hurricanes age-group selector and Karamu High School teacher Jon Matthews.
One minute silence for Jerry Collins. Photo / Duncan Brown
"There was plenty of feeling during the minute's silence. Everyone knows Collins was a great uncompromising player for the Hurricanes franchise," he said.
Collins' long-standing manager Tim Castle said his family were distraught.
"I have been in touch with Jerry's father Frank and other members of his family who are in Samoa at the moment. It's obviously a terribly difficult time for them and together with New Zealand Rugby we are doing all we can to support them."
Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said the team was "shocked and saddened" at the news.
"Jerry was a special part of both the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions over the years. He was an extraordinary leader and player, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time," he said.
"Many of the team here in Napier tonight have strong connections with Jerry and his family, and will certainly do their best to go out there tonight and honour the man who did so much for this club over the years."
Samoan born, Collins played 48 tests for the All Blacks from 2001, with three as captain.
The same year he played for the Wellington Hurricanes, having played for Wellington in the NPC since 1999.
He retired from international rugby in 2008 and went on to play in Europe and Japan.
Collins played for Toulon in the 2008/09 season and the club expressed their condolences to his loved ones. Toulon players will wear an arm band during their Top 14 semifinal against the club Stade Francais.
The NZ Rugby Union, together with the All Blacks, released a statement late last night in which general manager rugby Neil Sorensen said the news had shocked everyone in the rugby community.
"We offer our deepest condolences to them and will support them as they come to terms with this devastating news."
