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Jerry Collins to receive a public funeral in his hometown of Porirua

Jerry Collins will be laid to rest at a public funeral at his home town of Porirua on Wednesday.

Jerry Collins will be buried at a public funeral in his hometown of Porirua, New Zealand.

Former All Black Collins and his Canadian wife Alana Madill were killed after their car collided with a bus in Southern France last Friday. Their three-month-old daughter Ayla is still in a critical condition in hospital.

His service will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on Wednesday, and his manager Tim Castle has revealed that members of the public are welcome to attend.

"The family knows that Jerry was loved and admired by the people of his hometown of Porirua and beyond. The family understands and knows very well that many people want to join them in paying tribute and showing their love and respect for him," Castle said in a statement.

Collins's body will be flown home over the next few days, accompanied by a group including his cousin Tana Umaga and friend Chris Masoe, both fellow former All Blacks.

Castle said that Ms Madill's family were in France to organise her funeral arrangements and were also keeping vigil at the hospital with baby Ayla.

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Calum Gillon
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Jerry Collins speaks to the media during a Barbarians training session at North Sydney Oval on June 2, 2009
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