Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Rugby World is mourning the loss of former All Blacks great Jerry Collins as he and his wife, Alana Madill, were killed in a tragic car accident in Southern France. Their three-month old daughter, Ayla, is in critical condition after the accident near Beziers where their vehicle was struck by a bus. Collins was 34 years old.
A ferocious blindside flanker, Collins was capped 48 times by the All Blacks after making his debut in 2001 against Argentina. He played in the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups before retiring from International play in 2008. Collins, known for his physical style of play on the pitch, was regarded as a gentleman of the sport and is famously known for showing up to play 2nd side for an amateur club while on holiday after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
The Samoan-born Collins played the bulk of his professional career for the Hurricanes, making 74 appearances for the club from 2001-2008. After retiring from International play, Collins spent time playing for Toulon in France, the Ospreys in Wales, Yamaha Jublio in Japan, and finally with Narbonne in the French Second Division.
Please keep the families of both Collins, his wife, and daughter in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.
