General Chat

Sad that the little girl has ongoing medical problems but great that funds are being raised to help her upbringing with family.

Nice to see the respect for Jerry and his family

Lizx

OSPREYS TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO JERRY COLLINS

Jerry Collins was remembered today (Sunday September 13th) by his former club The Ospreys before their first Guinness Pro12 Home Game at The Liberty Stadium, in Swansea, South Wales.

Former All Black Jerry and his wife Alana were killed in a road traffic accident in France, at the beginning of June.
Their young daughter Ayla survived the crash, but will have on-going medical issues.


Andrew Hore, Chief Executive of Ospreys Rugby, said last week:

“It has been three months since the sad events in the south of France but JC, Alana and Ayla remain firmly in the thoughts of everybody at the Ospreys, and the rugby community internationally.

“Next Sunday marks the first opportunity that we have had as a rugby club to honour their memory and to celebrate their life with our supporters. Over the summer it has become clear exactly how highly regarded JC was by so many people, and we wanted to reflect that in our tributes, which will be done in the Ospreys way; understated, sincere and honest."

There was a minutes silence.
Jerry's number 8 shirt was laid on the pitch, and wreathes were laid on it by the team captains of today's match- Lloyd Ashley for The Ospreys and Felix Jones of Munster.

There was also a collection to raise funds for the Jerry Collins Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will go into a Trust for Ayla’s future.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/emotional-pictures-ospreys-touching-tribute-10046578

There is a fund being set up for Ayla's education.

The rugby world is shocked as are most of NZers. Been on our news every day since it happened. He was a popular player.

Jerry Collins was quite a character both on and off the field.

What truly tragic news. Two young lives lost and their baby left orphaned. I do hope that the family are able to care for this little one. Unbelievably sad...... so very sorry.

Dear Jem

Hello

This was such terrible news to hear.

Prayers and caring thoughts to the little one.

Sincere wishes and deep respect.
Love from Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Little Baby Ayla is showing signs of a little improvement, although she is still in a very serious condition.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/69159971/jerry-collins-baby-improving-after-fatal-french-crash


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3113125/Baby-daughter-former-Blacks-star-Jerry-Collins-shows-signs-improvement-hospital-rescued-horrific-car-smash-killed-parents.html

So sad, a wonderful life with his baby girl and Alana ahead of him and this tragedy takes it all away and leaves that little girl an orphan. I hope she makes a good recovery and has lots of relatives to take care of her and teach her about her loving parents.

May they rest in peace and watch over their precious daughter.

Lizx

Hi Susan :-)

Jerry was well loved in Wales.

He played for The Ospreys for 2 years (from 2009)

He spent a lot of time helping the youngsters in the club.
He also inspired young Wales Internationals such as George North.

Former Wales International and fellow Ospreys Team Mate, Shane Williams, said on the Welsh News tonight that Jerry loved people and always wanted to meet new people.

He used to book a taxi and drive around to new places.
One Wednesday afternoon,Shane said, Jerry got in a taxi and ended up in the Brynamman Rugby Club, where he spent the afternoon with the locals.

He also spent a day "working" with the binmen as he was a binman for a while back home!


Such was his impact that in his first season with The Ospreys he was voted "Players' Player Of The Year".


THE OSPREYS HAVE ISSUED THIS STATEMENT

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/News/Article/40304


He will be greatly missed <3

Hello Jem,

It was such a shock to hear of this tragedy. As you can imagine, we here in NZ are shocked.

Jerry's old team Hurricanes played a game last night and were told the news as they boarded their bus to go to the game. There was a moment of silence before the game which must have been very moving for his old team mates.

Our thoughts are with their baby girl.

RIP Jerry and Alana.

The Rugby World Mourns

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jun/05/jerry-collins-new-zealand-death-reaction

Jem that is so sad <3 hope the baby recovers <3

Condolences to all Jerry and Alana's families and friends on their loss.

Praying that baby Ayla recovers..

How very sad, Jem <3

Edited Sun Sept 13th ~ OSPREYS TOUCHING TRIBUTE

FORMER ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN JERRY COLLINS and his wife ALANA MADILL have been killed in a car crash in France.

The couple were travelling with their 3 month old daughter when the car was in a collision with a bus. The baby has survived, but she is in a serious condition in hospital.

34 year old Jerry Collins played 48 Caps for New Zealand and Captained the national team 3 times.

Jerry had also played for the Welsh Rugby Union team- THE OSPREYS.

He had recently been playing for French 2nd division team NARBONNE.


Jem and all GR Rugby Union Supporters send their heartfelt condolences to Jerry and Alana's family and friends at this sad time.

Also condolences to his colleagues in the Rugby World.

We are also thinking of the couple's baby daughter and praying for her recovery.


RIP JERRY AND ALANA<3


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/33017982