Jerry Colins dies in car crash

Former New Zealand back row Jerry Collins has died in a car accident in France in the early hours of Friday morning.

Thirty-four-year-old Collins was travelling near the town of Beziers in southern France when his car was involved in a collision with a bus at 4.30am local time (3.30am BST).

Collins' wife Alana Madill died in the accident and the crash has also left the couple's baby daughter Ayla in a critical condition in hospital.

"The news has shocked us all and our thoughts are with Jerry and Alana's families at this terribly sad time," New Zealand general manager Neil Sorensen said.

"We offer our deepest condolences to them and will support them as they come to terms with this devastating news."

Collins' long-term manager Tim Castle released a statement on behalf of the family.

"The family and I are distraught at the death of a much-loved son, brother and friend, and his partner Alana, whom I got to know recently," Castle said.

"I have been in touch with Jerry's father Frank and other members of his family who are in Samoa at the moment. It's obviously a terribly difficult time for them and together with New Zealand rugby we are doing all we can to support them.

"I have also been in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who are also doing everything they can to ensure that baby Ayla is getting all the care and support she needs. I am very grateful for their support.

"The family would also like to thank everyone for their messages of support and have asked for privacy at this time."

Collins played 48 times for the All Blacks in a seven-year international career that spanned the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

Collins announced his international retirement in 2008 and subsequently joined Top 14 side Toulon before moving to Wales to play for Ospreys.

The Samoa-born back-rower went on to spend two years in Japan playing for Yamaha Jubilo before joining French second division side Narbonne in January.

Collins made his debut for Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in 2001 - the same year he made his All Blacks bow - and the Wellington-based team held a minute's silence before their game against the Highlanders in Napier on Friday night.

All Blacks past and present were among those to pay tribute to Collins on Twitter after news of his death emerged.

"Very sad day to hear a team mate , and our very good friend Jerry Collins has passed. #allblacklegend," Collins' former New Zealand and Hurricanes team-mate Piri Weepu tweeted.

"Such sad news about Jerry, his wife & baby.... R.I.P Hitman,'' Cory Jane wrote, while Charles Piutau posted ''R.I.P Jerry Collins and his wife. prayers

to the baby and the family in this time.#legendofthegame #hitman.''

Other figures from the world of rugby also took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Wales captain Sam Warburton tweeted: ''What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla.''

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson wrote: ''Terrible news about Mr & Mrs Jerry Collins. Jerry was the @JONAHTALILOMU of the forwards. A rugby inspiration of his time.''

Former Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll posted: ''Terrible news about Jerry Collins & his wife in France. Thoughts are with his family."