All Black dies in car crash
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Former New Zealand rugby international Jerry Collins was killed Friday along with his wife, Alana Madill, when a bus crashed into their car in southern France, local officials said.
Collins, 34, who was capped 48 times for the All Blacks, was near the town of Beziers when his car came to an unexplained stop on the A9 highway, before being hit by the bus.
The couple were travelling with their two-month-old daughter, who survived the accident but is in a serious condition, the officials said.
The driver of the bus, which was carrying Portuguese tourists, was lightly injured, they said.
SANZAR Chief Executive Greg Peters issued a statement in the wake of the tragic news.
"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.
"A complex character who was sometimes misunderstood, Jerry was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
"Thoughts and prayers go out to both he and Alana's family and especially to their young daughter who is bravely fighting for life.
"Rest in peace JC, as the rugby world mourns and remembers one of its greats."
Collins made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2001. His international career ended at just 26 when they lost to France in the quarterfinals of the 2007 World Cup in Cardiff.
Meanwhile the Ospreys, one of Collins' former teams, paid tribute to the star in a statement. Collins made 56 appearances for the Welsh club helping them to a league title in 2009.
"Everybody at Ospreys Rugby was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Jerry Collins has died in a traffic accident in France this morning, along with his partner, Alana Madill, the statement 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.
"Our thoughts now are with their daughter, Ayla, who remains in a critical condition, along with both of their families at this difficult time."
The Austrailian Rugby Union also offered their condolences to Collins family and friends.
“Australian Rugby is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry and his partner Alana and extends its deepest condolences to family and friends of the couple, and to the New Zealand Rugby Union," ARU CEO Bill Pulver said.
“Jerry was one of the toughest forwards in the game and is right up there with the all-time great players to wear the All Black jersey. World Rugby has lost one of its fiercest competitors and he will be dearly remembered by teammates and rugby fans at home in New Zealand and across the globe.”
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