Collins and his partner Alana Madill died in a vehicle accident in France on June 5.
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The likes of Dan Carter, Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams took the William Webb Ellis cup to Collins’ grave in what was an undoubtedly emotional visit. Ma’a Nonu, Liam Messam and Jerome Kaino also paid their respects to the former All Black, who would have been 35 on Wednesday.
Carter posted a picture on Instagram of the quintet with a “happy birthday” balloon and the World Cup trophy at Collins’ resting place with the caption: “Good to share this one with the brother”.
After a month in intensive care, Collins’ daughter Ayla is on the road to recovery and is living in Canada with relations from her mother’s side of the family.
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Collins, who won 48 caps for the All Blacks, made a surprise appearance for Barnstaple’s second XV against Newton Abbot while on holiday in North Devon after his country’s exit from the 2007 World Cup.
