Jerry Collins and his partner Alana tragically died in a car crash this morning… R.I.P.

Hurricanes and All Blacks legend Jerry Collins and his partner Alana Madill have tragically passed away following a car accident in France on Friday morning.

The duo were Beziers when their car was apparently struck by a bus.

The couple sadly passed away while their three-month-old daughter was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Collins joined Wellington in 1999, earning 85 Super Rugby caps and first receiving a call-up to the All Blacks in 2001. He went on to play 48 Tests before retiring after the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

He subsequently joined French club Toulon and Ospreys in Wales before a stint in Japan.

He was 34 years of age.

Tributes have started flowing in from around the rugby world and a moment’s silence will be observed before kick-off between the Hurricanes and Highlanders in Napier on Friday evening.

“Jerry Collins is an undisputed legend of the game for Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. He inspired all of those around him with his passion and love for the game throughout a highly decorated career for club and country.

“A complex character who was sometimes misunderstood, Jerry was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“Thoughts and prayers go out to both he and Alana’s family and especially to their young daughter who is bravely fighting for life.

“Rest in peace JC, as the rugby world mourns and remembers one of its greats.”

New Zealand Rugby also reacted with shock and sadness.

“The news has shocked us all and our thoughts are with Jerry and Alana’s families at this terribly sad time. We offer our deepest condolences to them and will support them as they come to terms with this devastating news,” New Zealand Rugby General Manager Rugby Neil Sorensen said.

Jerry Collins’ long-standing manager Tim Castle, speaking on behalf of the family said, “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.

“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.”

Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, Bill Pulver, issued the following statement on behalf Australian Rugby.

“Australian Rugby is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jerry and his partner Alana and extends its deepest condolences to family and friends of the couple, and to the New Zealand Rugby Union.

“Jerry was one of the toughest forwards in the game and is right up there with the all-time great players to wear the All Black jersey. World Rugby has lost one of its fiercest competitors and he will be dearly remembered by teammates and rugby fans at home in New Zealand and across the globe.”