PORIRUA – Jerry Collins’ last act of heroism, sacrificing his life to protect his baby daughter’s, was revealed to thousands of mourners at the former All Black’s funeral on Wednesday.

Close friend and ex-All Black, Chris Masoe, told the near-capacity crowd at Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena: “When you realised what was coming and you protected Ayla from the impact with your arms and your whole body over her – you made it possible for her to have a chance. That’s the man you are.”

Collins, 34, and his partner, Alana Madill, 35, died instantly when a bus crashed into their car on a motorway in southern France at 3am on June 5 local time. Madill was driving and Collins was in the back seat with their daughter Ayla.

Masoe, who now plays in France, and fellow ex-All Black Tana Umaga – Collins’ cousin –escorted his body back to New Zealand on Sunday.

Both spoke at the three-hour public funeral along with moving and often humorous tributes from close family members of Collins and Madill.

A plethora of past and present rugby stars, such as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, Jonah Lomu, Michael Jones and Reuben Thorne, rubbed shoulders with young and old from all walks of life to celebrate and mourn the short life of a man nicknamed ‘The King of Porirua’.

As Northern United Rugby Football Club president Ron Wood said, “his was a big life cut tragically short”.

The club carried Collins’ remains on to Porirua Park on Monday, where his stellar rugby career began when he was about seven years old. Collins’ coffin was aptly draped in his beloved Norths’ blue and white colours.

One of his three sisters, Brenda Collins, told the crowd of close to 3000 that the past 12 days had been the toughest the family had faced.

“One thing I know about Jerry – he had a huge heart. You were a hero with your last trip with baby.”

The huge outpouring of grief and support from around New Zealand and the rugby world had made them realise more fully what Collins had achieved in his life, she said.

She spoke of his generosity, such as buying a home for his parents but also mentioned his public ups and downs.

“He is who he is, up front, no filter, has no fear.”

All Blacks great Jonah Lomu said Collins typified the idea of “having heart” and sacrificing himself to save his daughter was proof.

“Listening to the reports and what they say about how they found him – that he was protecting his baby – that’s just typical Jerry.”

Former All Black and Hurricanes teammates Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith also paid tribute.

Nonu expressed his “deepest sympathy” and offered his prayers to the Collins family.

“We love you all, and we love Jerry very, very much”, Nonu said.

Outside the funeral, former All Black great Michael Jones described Collins as “one of the most unique rugby players in world rugby and one of the most unique characters.”

“He’s definitely one of the most special players who will ever wear a black jersey. I think that’s what the celebration was very much about today. It came out very profoundly and powerfully.

“He took the number six jersey to new dimensions. The game became a lot more physical and confrontational. I think Jerry brought that level of physicality and brutal influence, you know?”

“His trademark was not just being physical but influential, and I think that’s very much how he played the game and how he lived his life. And that’s what we celebrated today.”

Collins’ mother, Galuia Collins, spoke in Samoan of her memories of her son, from his reluctance to rise in the morning to the final time they spoke.

She said he was being his normal self, talking about plans to move back home and his excitement over the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

“She said he was just a simple person. He didn’t care about money, but always made sure they were looked after,” a family friend said.

She also sang a Samoan song that many in the crowd joined in for. The lyrics said that despite the fact her boy had left the earth, memories of him would always be with his family.

Collins’ mother ended her tribute in English, saying “Go far Jerry”.

Madill’s father, Darrell Maddill, told mourners he first met Collins in southern California in April 2014. When his daughter told him she was bringing Collins to meet them, he asked her what he was like.

“Dad, he’s the most interesting man I have ever met,” she confided in him.

A few days after first meeting, a curious Darrell Madill checked the internet to learn more and was stunned to discover Collins’ huge rugby fame.