Intro:

Thousands of mourners, including rugby greats Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga, attended the funeral of former All Black Jerry Collins on Wednesday.

Script:

The funeral of former New Zealand rugby captain Jerry Collins has taken place in Christchurch.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Ma'a Nonu, All Blacks teammate:

"Ruthless, fearless, brave, courageous, a leader."

Collins and his wife died in a car crash in the south of France almost two weeks ago, he was 34.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Darren Shand, New Zealand Rugby Union:

"It's a tragedy that the game of life finished way too early for you. You'll be deeply missed, never forgotten."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Tim Castle, Collin's manager:

"He changed lives in New Zealand and in Samoa and he had an impact on people's lives in countries and communities far away."
He leaves behind a three-month old baby, who is still in a serious condition after the crash which has left so many in disbelief.