After the tragic death of ex-All Black Jerry Collins this year, his World Cup winning team-mates have brought the William Web Ellis Cup to his graveside to celebrate his life and birthday in an emotional display of respect.
Collins and partner Alane Madill tragically passed away this June following a car accident in the South of France. Collins was reportedly killed trying to protect his young daughter Alya who went on to survive the crash.
World Cup winning All Blacks Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, Liam Messam, Jerome Kaino and Ma’a Nonu were present to honour the life of one of rugby’s toughest and most respected hard men. The ex-Wellington, Toulon and Ospreys player won 45 caps in his career but was never able to lift the coveted Web Ellis Cup.
The gesture was a touch of class from a New Zealand side who displayed a genuine warmth and professionalism in the tournament this year. From Sonny Bill Williams handing his medal to a teenage fan, to Richie McCaw’s modest and controlled celebration in their final win; it has been a side that have reasserted rugby’s core values back into the game.
New Zealand became the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup by beating Australia in the final at Twickenham.
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