jerry collins RIP

[Ken Gargett]

just heard the tragic news that jerry collins was killed in a car accident in france, along with his wife. how tragically sad.

for me, one of the great all blacks. such a tough, fierce player. always admire him.

met him in a pub in auckland after a bledisloe cup game years back. was with a few mates and he came in. no kiwi would go near him - i think they were all in awe. anyway, as we'd copped another hiding, thought may as well. so a couple of us went up and chatted with him. such a nice quiet bloke. absolute opposite to when on the field. was genuinely pleased we'd come up and chatted. i think he felt a bit embarrassed that no one came near.

told us about being a huge fan of the broncos and then headed off into the night. i know he would sometimes come over and attend broncos games and i heard gordie tallis talk about him once and how he knew every player's stats and the full history of the club. a true fan.

a very sad day.

[Fuzz AI]

Very sad indeed, both taken young. Heard that his baby daughter was in the car too, though she survived and is in critical condition.