New Zealand
Jonah Lomu: Jerry Collins died protecting his baby daughter
ESPN Staff
June 18, 2015
Jonah Lomu and Jerry Collins
Jonah Lomu and Jerry Collins© Simon Baker/Getty Images

New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has paid tribute to his former team-mate Jerry Collins, saying the All Black flanker died protecting his baby daughter.

Collins and his wife were killed in a car accident in the south of France on June 5. His three-month-old daughter, Ayla, remains in a French hospital and a campaign to raise funds for her has so far raised over £25,000.

Speaking to reporters at Collins' public funeral, Lomu said: "Listening to the reports and what they say about how they found him, that he was protecting his baby, that's just typical Jerry.

"You talk about laying your body on the line and he did that.

"You look at what kind of player he is and what kind of person he is, and he typified having heart and standing up for what he believed in but also having everybody's back.

"He's been a true, honest man and it's fitting to see everyone here. We all loved him and through thick and thin he was always there for you."

© ESPN Staff

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