Jerry Collins was a legendary New Zealand rugby union player of Samoan descent, celebrated as one of the most ferocious, bone-crunching flankers and inspirational captains in All Blacks and Wellington Hurricanes history.
Born in Apia, Samoa, on November 4, 1980, Jerry Collins moved with his family to Porirua, New Zealand, growing up in the rugby-mad suburb of Cannons Creek. Attending St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, his raw physical power, devastating tackling technique, and natural leadership quickly marked him out as a generational talent, captaining the New Zealand Under-19 team to a World Championship in 1999.
Collins debuted for Wellington at 18 and became the beating physical heart of the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, earning 85 caps and legendary status for his iconic bleached-blonde hair and thunderous defensive hits. He made his All Blacks debut in 2001 at age 20, going on to earn 48 caps (scoring 5 tries) and captaining the national team on three occasions. Revered as the "Hitman", his bruising defensive presence at blindside flanker was feared and respected by rugby nations worldwide.
Beyond his fearsome on-field reputation, Collins was renowned for his extraordinary humility, warmth, and deep connection to grassroots rugby, famously playing for an amateur amateur Devon club side, Barnstaple, while on vacation in 2007. Tragically, Collins and his partner Alana Madill were killed in a car accident in France on June 5, 2015, with Collins shielding his infant daughter Ayla with his body to save her life. His memory endures as an immortal icon of Pacific and New Zealand rugby brotherhood.
Notable Achievements & Works
- 48 Test caps for the New Zealand All Blacks (including 3 matches as Test captain)
- 85 Super Rugby caps for the Wellington Hurricanes (team legend and captain)
- IRB Under-19 Player of the Year (1999, World Championship captain)
- Tri-Nations Championship winner with the All Blacks (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007)
- Jerry Collins Stadium (renamed in his honor in Porirua, New Zealand)
