Jerry Collins' headstone unveiling draws hundreds

A giant version of Jerry Collins' Hurricans jersey displayed at his old club, Northern United in Porirua (Newshub.)
A giant version of Jerry Collins' Hurricans jersey displayed at his old club, Northern United in Porirua (Newshub.)

Hundreds of people turned out today for the unveiling of late rugby legend Jerry Collins' headstone.

Family and friends of Collins, and his late wife Alana Madill, gathered at Whenua Tapu cemetery, north of Porirua this morning.

It is one year tomorrow since Collins and Madill were killed in a car crash in the south of France.

Their daughter Ayla, who was ten weeks at the time of the crash, survived.

She is back in New Zealand at the moment, and went to the unveiling this morning with Alana's family, who are raising her in Canada.

Jerry Collins' headstone unveiling draws hundreds

The headstone for Jerry Collins and Alana Madill (Newshub.)

The Minister officiating the ceremony acknowledged the "little champion and star" and said he hoped she would "emulate the legacy" of her father as a rugby player. 

Both families have requested privacy for the 14-month old girl, and asked that she wasn't photographed this morning.

In a statement they said "Ayla's progress in her recovery from serious injures continues to be inspiring.

"She is cherished by both families and in celebrating her life together; both families keep the memories of her parents alive and vibrant."

Among the hundreds at the cemetery today was Collins' cousin and fellow former All Black Tana Umaga.

Members of Collins old rugby club in Porirua, Northern United, sang a hymn.

A giant replica of Collins' Hurricans jersey was unveiled at the club's grounds this afternoon ahead of a match between its premier team and Tawa.

Jerry Collins' headstone unveiling draws hundreds

(Photo: Newshub.)

The game was attended by the families of Collins and Madill, along with baby Ayla.

Newshub.