Thousands march to honour Jerry Collins

Collins' body was returned to New Zealand yesterday - more than a week after he was killed.

More than a thousand people turned up to honour the rugby great during a march through his home town on the same day.

The coffin carrying Collins' body was carried up to the Norths Rugby Football Club by senior players, led by his father Frank, tonight.

Young Norths players formed a guard of honour for the procession, holding hands along the length of the driveway to the clubrooms.

All Blacks, including Tana Umanga, were there to remember their former teammate and friend.

Stirring hakas were performed by Norths rugby players and students from four Porirua schools - sending chills down the spine of the waiting crowds.

A private celebration kicked off inside the clubrooms after the procession for family, friends and former teammates.

The moving tribute to Collins took place after a private family funeral in the city earlier today.

Members of the public would fill the Norths stands over the coming hour to honour the rugby great as he is brought out onto the field for the final time.

Image 1 of 7: Local high school students performing as Jerry Collins is carried up the hill to the Norths Rugby Club at Porirua Park. Photo / Mark Mitchell

On Wednesday, Te Rauparaha Arena will host a public memorial service for Mr Collins.

Thousands of people filled the Norths home ground yesterday as well to pay tribute to the man credited for putting Porirua "on the map".

A memorial walk saw a big crowd crowd dressed in the blue Norths colours chanting "Jerry" during the 5km walk from Waitangirua Mall to the Porirua Trust Park.

Local residents including Mark Conley, Iuta Gaualofa and Tom Katu said Mr Collins was a beloved, inspirational local hero and a pivotal part of the rugby community.

Collins and his partner Alana Madill died in car crash in France last Friday. Their baby daughter Ayla remains in serious condition in a French hospital.