Jerry Collins' last act of heroism by sacrificing his life to protect his baby daughter's has been revealed to thousands of mourners at the former All Black's funeral today.
An emotional close friend and ex‑All Black, Chris Masoe, told the near‑capacity Te Rau-para-ha Arena at Porirua that Collins had covered his then‑10‑week‑old baby with his arms and body "when he realised what was coming".
Masoe says Jerry Collins made it possible for the baby to have a chance.
Collins and his partner, Alana died instantly when a bus crashed into their car on a motorway in southern France. His partner was driving and Collins was in the back seat with their daughter.
Ayla remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital in Montpellier.
Tana Umaga, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, Jonah Lomu, Michael Jones and Reuben Thorne, rubbed shoulders with young and old from all walks of life to celebrate and mourn the short life of a man nicknamed 'The King of Porirua'.
Former All Black great Michael Jones described Collins as "one of the most unique rugby players in world rugby and one of the most unique characters".
