All Black rugby star Jerry Collins dies in car crash

According to local media reports, Collins was involved in a collision with a bus on a motorway in southern France. Their three-month-old daughter has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The 34-year-old, who played 48 tests for the All Blacks and captained his country three times, was playing for French side Narbonne.

Tributes from former teammates and rugby stars have been coming in on social media,

https://twitter.com/AllBlacks/status/606695711481196544

Former England centre Will Greenwood, who played against Collins, said he was 'praying' for their daughter to pull through.

https://twitter.com/WillGreenwood/status/606714939953319936

Flanker Collins was recognised for his aggressive defensive style and dominating tackles, and stood in as captain of New Zealand during the 2007 World Cup.

Fellow New Zealander rugby stars shared their shock at the sudden news online.

https://twitter.com/piriweepu/status/606696242622496768
https://twitter.com/CoryJane1080/status/606701338429259777
https://twitter.com/SonnyBWilliams/status/606713334268719104

Former England scrum half called Collins the "Jonah Lomu of the forwards. A rugby inspiration of his time."

https://twitter.com/matt9dawson/status/606708773651148800

34-year-old Collins was born in Samoa, but made his debut for New Zealand in 2001. He retired from international rugby in 2008, but continue to play club rugby in both Europe and Japan.

In 2007 the feared New Zealander showed his lighter side, agreeing to play for a Devon amateur side after meeting the team's coach while on holiday.

Wales captain Sam Warburton called him "an inspiration to many young players growing up including myself", while Jonah Lomu called Collins "my brother".

https://twitter.com/samwarburton_/status/606720001777778688
https://twitter.com/JONAHTALILOMU/status/606724731971067904

Collins had signed with French club Narbonne in January this year.