Manu Samoa rugby coach Stephen Betham says they are keen to pay tribute to former All Black Jerry Collins at next months historic test against New Zealand in Apia.
The Samoa-born 34-year-old and his wife died in a car crash in France last week, while their baby daughter remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Jerry Collins fends off the tackle during a match against South Africa in 2006. Photo: AFP
Stephen Betham says Collins was a proud Samoan and they would love to pay their respects.
"Oh definitely. I think Jerry Collins is a great ambassador to the game. He will be dearly missed - not only for New Zealand but Samoa. I do recall when he comes to Samoa he actually sometimes puts on the boots and helps the boys train. We've seen that in the past and he's been a great ambassador and anything that we can do to help remember Jerry on the day we play the All Blacks will be great for us to do and we can only offer condolences to Jerry's family".
Stephen Betham say the Samoa Union was also approached by Collins last year about wanting to represent the Manu at the World Cup.
"Yes, he did signal towards the end of last year - when we were in Europe - if there was any possible way of him playing for Samoa in the World Cup but, unfortunately it hasn't gone that way. I wouldn't know how the sevens coaches would have thought of it but it would have been nice to have go".
Manu Samoa head coach Stephen Betham. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
