South African rugby and All Blacks supporters have paid tribute to former All Blacks player, Jerry Collins, who was killed in a car crash in France.
“The loss of any All Blacks player will impact on the international rugby fraternity. He was an excellent loose forward. Any All Blacks player, former and current, has much to offer to the game, and what could possibly have been contributed to the game by Collins, is now a great loss. He was indeed a Great All Black,” said former Transvaal U/21 player and All Blacks supporter, Danie Jacobs, from the East Rand.
In a statement issued by the All Blacks, New Zealand rugby expressed its shock and sadness at his death.
Collins made his Hurricanes debut in 2001, making 74 appearances for the ‘Canes between 2001 and 2008.
He debuted for the All Blacks in 2001 and went on to play 48 test matches, scoring five tries. He captained the All Blacks in one test against Argentina, as well as captaining the 2007 Rugby World Cup matches against Portugal and Romania.
Collins was signed to play for Narbonne in January and has previously played for Toulon, as well as the Welsh team Ospreys and the Japanese team Yamaha Jubilo.
New Zealand Rugby has tonight expressed its shock and sadness at the death of former All Black Jerry Collins: https://t.co/dglpszVe3v
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 5, 2015
@AllBlacks I am absolutely devastated by his & his wife’s death. Watched him so many times. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time
— Vix♿️ (@Happywheelie11) June 5, 2015
Very sad news. Notably one of the toughest opponents I had the pleasure playing against. RIP Jerry Collins #AllBlackLegend👊
— Kurtley Beale (@kurtley_beale) June 5, 2015
Jerry Collins and his partner have tragically been killed in a car accident in Beziers, France https://t.co/o7eDAnOVNS pic.twitter.com/mY0t2wfqxW
— TheRugbyChampionship (@SanzarTRC) June 5, 2015
Jerry Collins, kind of guy you just don’t forget, if you were lucky enough to meet him. Lived life at full throttle. Tragic that he has gone.
— Will Carling (@willcarling) June 5, 2015
