Friday 5 June 2015 11:04, UK
Former Ospreys team-mates have paid tribute to Jerry Collins after the former New Zealand captain died in a car crash.
Collins, 34, was killed in southern France on Friday morning after a bus hit his vehicle - his wife Alana Madill also died, and their two-month old daughter Ayla is seriously ill in hospital.
The flanker won 48 All Blacks caps before ending his international career at the age of 26, and he went on to play in France for Toulon and Narbonne, in Japan and Wales, where he had three seasons with the Ospreys.
In a statement, the club 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. RIP JC."
Wales great Shane Williams played with Collins during his time in South Wales, and he said: “It’s horrible news to wake up to. It's still fresh and we can't believe it.
“I have been speaking to Lee Byrne, James Hook and a couple of the ex-Ospreys guys and still can’t believe it.
“He was a top guy that all the people who had played against him and with had kept in touch because he was always very friendly.
“He was one of the most physical guys I played against and with. When you were playing against him you really kept your eye because some of the tackles he produced on the field were incredible."
Wales captain Sam Warburton said on Twitter: "What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla."
Hooker Adam Jones added: "Unbelievably tragic news to wake up to about Jerry Collins and his wife. Lucky enough to play against and with him. Great bloke and player.
"He was a massive presence on the pitch and was an icon of the world game. It was all about the team with him. He was just a good man and it was fantastic to play with him for two seasons."
And fellow-Wales hooker Richard Hibbard said: "Totally shocking news to wake up about Jerry and his wife. He was a great bloke. Thoughts with both their families at this time."
