HE’S A LEGEND OF THE GAME SO HIS NAME WILL NEVER DIE
THE former team-mates of legendary rugby player Jerry Collins say they still can’t believe he’s gone a year after his death. The former All Black and Ospreys back-row forward was killed in a car crash in Beziers along with his wife Alana Madill on June 5 last year.
The horrifying crash left his three-month-old daughter Ayla fighting for her life.
The car they were travelling in had lost control and collided with a bus in the southern French town.
An outpouring of grief was expressed by the rugby community across the world following Collins’ death.
Collins, who was hugely popular in Wales thanks to his time with the Ospreys, won 48 caps for his country.
Former team-mate and Wales and Lions full-back Lee Byrne became close friends with Collins during his time at the Swansea-based region and was a pallbearer at his funeral in the New Zealand city of Porirua.
Speaking about the anniversary of his friend’s death, Byrne said it was a “difficult time” for everybody in the rugby community.
He said: “The year has flown by and I still can’t believe he’s gone.
“It has been a terrible year for the sport with Jonah Lomu, Jerry and a couple of others. They were great friends.
“He’s a legend of the game and Jonah so their names are never going to die.
“Each year is going to be a difficult time for everybody and in terms of myself.
“It’s a difficult time for his friends, family and the rugby world.”
AhA headstoned t unveilingili was due to take place yesterday in Porirua, near Wellington, in honour of Jerry Collins.
Byrne added: “Jerry’s name is still long living among all of us and forever will.
“The headstone unveiling is a massive thing and just as big as the funeral. Unfortunately I won’t be able to get over there but we’re looking at going over there at Christmas time.
“Lots of things have been done in Jerry’s name, including the stand in Porirua.”
Collins’ former team Norths Rugby Club in Porirua renamed its home ground as the Jerry Collins Stadium earlier this year.
Collins’ daughter Ayla was just three months old when she survived the horrific car crash which claimed the lives of her mum and dad.
The youngster was treated in intensive care after suffering brain trauma in the accident.
Alana’s parents Darrell and Ruth Madill have looked after her at their home in Canada since she was released from hospital and signs surrounding her recovery have been positive.
Last week Ayla was taken by her grandparents to visit her father’s homeland in New Zealand.
Byrne, along with former team-mates Shane Williams, Mik Mike Philli Phillips and dJ James H Hookk – dubbed the fab four – have been busy raising money in aid of Ayla with a special event held at the Liberty Stadium last November.
Speaking about Ayla, Byrne said: “She’s doing well. She’s over in New Zealand for the first time so it’s great for Jerry’s mother and father to see her in their home country for the first time. time.”