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Former All Black Jerry Collins and his wife have been killed in a car crash in France.
Agence France-Presse reports that local officials said they were killed on Friday when a bus crashed into their car in southern France, local officials said.
Samoa-born and Wellington-raised Collins, 34, who was capped 48 times for New Zealand, was near the town of Beziers when his car came to an unexplained stop, before being hit by the bus.
The couple were also travelling with their two-month-old daughter, who survived the accident but is in a serious condition, the officials said.
The loose forward returned to rugby earlier this year after signing with French second division club Narbonne, replacing injured Australian Rocky Elsom.
He had retired from the game two years earlier when finishing up with Japanese club Yamaha.
SANZAR Chief Executive, Greg Peters, made the following statement in the wake of the tragic news that Jerry Collins and his partner, Alana Madill, have passed away in France.
“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.”
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