Porirua Park to be renamed Jerry Collins Stadium

Omnisports

March 21, 2016 9:33 AM

The venue where Jerry Collins took his first steps towards becoming an international rugby player is to be renamed after the late former All Black.

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Collins and his wife Alana Madill were killed last June in a car crash in the south of France. The couple's daughter Ayla survived the accident.

The back-rower won 48 caps for New Zealand, scoring five Test tries, but first began his career in his home town of Porirua with Northern United Rugby Club.

Following his passing, a parade was held in Porirua in??Collins' honour and the City Council - having worked with the Collins family - has now settled on a fitting tribute to his memory.

Porirua Park, home of Northern United, will be renamed Jerry Collins Stadium at an event??on Friday, with all members and supporters invited to attend the ceremony.

In addition, a bronze plaque featuring a message from the Collins family will also be unveiled.

Porirua mayor Nick Leggett said: "Jerry was a favourite son of Porirua and I think that we wanted to honour him in an appropriate way for his memory and for his family.

"It made sense to name the grandstand at his home park after him."

Omnisports