Reaction has poured in from the rugby world to the death of the former All Blacks captain Jerry Collins, who died in a car crash in France on Friday.
His wife, Alana Madill, also died while their three-month-old daughter was airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical condition.
Hi manager, Tim Castle, led the tributes, saying: “The family and I are distraught at the death of a much-loved son, brother and friend, and his partner Alana.
“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.
“I have also been in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are also doing everything they can to ensure that baby Ayla is getting all the care and support she needs. I am very grateful for their support.
“The family would also like to thank everyone for their messages of support and have asked for privacy at this time.”
The former All Blacks captain, Sean Fitzpatrick, told BBC Radio Five: “Jerry was a man in a boy’s body at that age and epitomised everything a rugby player and All Blacks should be. He will be remembered fondly.”
“He became an All Black at a very young age (20) and went on to wear the jersey with pride. He was as tough as old boots on the field, but a loving man and very caring off the field. He was the nicest guy you would meet, but not someone you’d want to play against. We say good men make great All Blacks and he was a very, very good man.”
The New Zealand general manager of rugby, Neil Sorensen, said: “The news has shocked us all and our thoughts are with Jerry and Alana’s families at this terribly sad time. We offer our deepest condolences to them and will support them as they come to terms with this devastating news.”
His words were echoed by the recently resigned chief executive of Sanzar (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby), Greg Peters, who said: “Jerry Collins is an undisputed legend of the game for Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. He inspired all of those around him with his passion and love for the game throughout a highly decorated career for club and country.”
Players past and present also expressed their shock. The Wales captain, Sam Warburton, tweeted of a player who spent two years with the Ospreys: “What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla.”
Warburton’s international team-mate George North said: “So sad to hear about Jerry Collins and his wife. All thoughts are with his baby, family and friends.”
The Ospreys themselves put out a statement in which they said: “He was his own man, a true individual, and a giant of the world game. Jerry made a huge impact during his short time in an Ospreys jersey and will be sadly missed by everybody in rugby, his family and friends.”
The former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll posted: “Terrible news about Jerry Collins & his wife in France. Thoughts are with his family.”
The former All Blacks scrum-half Piri Weepu added: “Had the privilege and honour of bleeding with him on the weekends on the field. Words can’t express how sad I am brother. RIP big brother JC!”, while their wing Cory Jane continued: “Such sad news about Jerry, his wife & baby... RIP Hitman...”
Collins’ former club Wellington Hurricanes, who were in action in the Super Rugby competition against the Highlanders overnight, wore black armbands in his honour and held a minute’s silence before kick-off while a montage of his highlights for the All Blacks and Hurricanes was played on the ground’s big screens.
They had pledged: “We plan to go out there tonight and honour the hell out of Hurricane No82. RIP Jerry, you will always be a huge part of the Canes legacy.”
