Had met Jerry Collins several times while living in Wellington, Always a polite and humble guy. Best time was after the 7's in 2006 (If I remember correctly) Was at a bar on Courtney place having a few beers with my good friend Baz his wife and mine, Glorious Wellington evening, warm and everyone in a good mood, Jerry Collins walks past the bar, Baz says "Hey Jerry, Like a beer?" Jerry comes over and joins us for a cold one, talks about everything but rugby. Super polite to the wife's, And after says He actually has to head to the NZ 7's party and is now late. Excuses himself and walks off. Just a regular down to earth guy. It's really sad he is lost to us and his family. RIP Jerry, Hope you, Jonah, Sioni, Pinetree and the rest who have passed away are enjoying the big game in the sky.
He turned up at my local league club and partied with us till the early morning in the changing rooms. He's an absolute legend, will never be forgotten.
Amazing story of friendship and tribute to Jerry from Ryan. I saw JC play many times for the Ospreys he was adored by our fans then and he always will be.
I’m a kiwi born American and I have nothing but respect for American rugby players. They definitely aren’t playing the game for recognition, girls etc they do it for the love of the game. I believe Jerry on some level knew that. Respect
What a brilliant story, not only of the kind of man JC was or even Ryan’s own journey but a story of what makes rugby special, it’s spirit, the comradeship, the sense of belonging and being part of something no matter what corner of the earth you are from. No wonder it’s the game they play in heaven.
Watched the 2008/09 year when the All Blacks came to Newlands to play South Africa. Sat near half way line at the bottom tire and could hear the hits. Will never forget hearing the hits between Schalk Burger and Jerry Collins. Every time they hit each other it sounded like a car crash. What a player and a human being.
@@newchannelname3395 May have been later then. Can’t remember the exact season, but man it was a great game. Could have been the 07 season just before the World Cup.
@@jasonshaun6657 funny "you can be anything" when you're growing up, hearing and seeing beasts like this smack into each other made me realise I couldn't 🤣
What a legend he was. As a Springboks fan, whenever we saw him in the All Blacks line-up you knew you were in for a proper game. And such a gentleman to match. What an inspiration!
Growing up in Wellington, JC was a big feature in my life- on the field obviously but also off of it. Zeebos on a Wednesday night when he would roll into the pub - you'd just see all eyes centre in on the largest bro moving through the crowd, his bleached blonde tips glowing under the black lights making him stand out even more than his impressive form usually does. Bro would buy bevvies for most of the people at the bar when he ordered. Seeing the love for JC in his hometown of Porirua all these years after his passing is pretty rad
great story. well told. I'm an American who lived in SA and became Bok fan. Mountains of respect for JC, and everyone who tell a story about him makes me feel small as as a person. What a man.
@@arikielkington9727 You keep thinking that way. My sister works in Porirua, Tawa, Titahi Bay, Wellington, helping homeless and people needing homes. So for you to taint that shows you really have no idea.
I had the good fortune of meeting Jerry Collins once, I’m an average rugby player and just wanted to say hello. He was the nicest, most humble man but I would never in a million years want to play against him.
Jerry left his mark on the field and off, a true gentleman of the game and a great person in general , we need more Jerry Collins in this world. What you experienced Ryan is what we call in Samoan ,Alofa, Aiga,Uso, meaning love, family, and brother it is part of every Samoans DNA. ❤️ Jerry Collins gone but his memory and traits will never be forgotten ❤️🕊
I was fixing the fire system in a hotel the AB's were staying at and was working outside two feet away as they left to get into the bus for a match. They were all in the zone, Ted in the front, all of them eyes forward. Jerry noticed me standing awe struck flashed that HUGE grin at me and said quietly " how's it?"and stuck his hand out. Didn't need to at all, just wanted to connect to a fan for the fan.
Wow. Just wow. When you already think someone is an amazing idol to so many, you listen to Ryan and are gobsmacked at just how great a man like JC was.
Such a great story Ryan. He'll be proud of you. He made memorable moments on and off the field. From playing against him through schoolboy level and hanging out with him outside of those times, he always held himself well and gave whatever time and attention to those who asked or didn't ask. Great man. RIL uso JC ❤
I remember having drinks in a bar in Dunedin and the Hurricane players were in there . Jerry Colins came up to the bar as I was ordering a beer and since there were only a few of the Hurricane players and just me and a couple of mates, JC invited us over to there table...the most surreal moment of my life. Talking to him was like talking to a long time friend and I will always remember this moment. A total legend
Thank Ryan for sharing & 1 man changed & shaped your future in you becoming a Eagle for America & playing against the All Blacks you got to meet them & then playing against them that's from JC saying & it came to fruitation.
What humble dude, you can tell he’s genuine, good on you bro that’s awesome you were lucky enough to meet and be treated as a brother from one of the greats in rugby history jerry was the man and forever will be remembered as that.
Jerry.. A Giant amongst men... Proud to have got to see the great man actually play and what a game it was!! His first tackle made the crowd go... "OHH!! ".. with a bus stop tackle.....when he took his opposite player out ... humble and kind with the BIGGEST heart.. love you Bro!
Great story from a humble yet All Black legend .... he certainly showed our kiwi generosity and no bs approach to life..... in NZ we generally don't have a hidden agenda
Mate that was a great tribute to a legend of the game. You are a special guy yourself Bro, best of luck in your Rugby career. Thank you for sharing this.. God Bless..
that's the most defining moment, in my mind ... photos were not thought of, needed, or required when you have the memories, the episodes, and the friendships that sport brings ... whatever grade you played, and however high you achieved ... mates and friendships are the guts of team sports
Thankyou very much for those little stories about you becoming friends with one of my favourite ABs. Jerry colins was a wonderful player but an exceptional man. Love the stories only close friends know about someone.
When a Samoan calls you "uso'', you're invited to the hang out hehe awesome stories of a great legend.
Had met Jerry Collins several times while living in Wellington, Always a polite and humble guy. Best time was after the 7's in 2006 (If I remember correctly) Was at a bar on Courtney place having a few beers with my good friend Baz his wife and mine, Glorious Wellington evening, warm and everyone in a good mood, Jerry Collins walks past the bar, Baz says "Hey Jerry, Like a beer?" Jerry comes over and joins us for a cold one, talks about everything but rugby. Super polite to the wife's, And after says He actually has to head to the NZ 7's party and is now late. Excuses himself and walks off. Just a regular down to earth guy.
It's really sad he is lost to us and his family. RIP Jerry, Hope you, Jonah, Sioni, Pinetree and the rest who have passed away are enjoying the big game in the sky.
Jerry Collins was and will always be, a legend of the game 👍🏻👏🏻
RIP JC 🙏
Fantastic. A global game with a village mentality. JC was a legend and it must have been awesome to have known him. Good on ya Ryan.
Lol if jerry says you going.... you going 😅😅
He turned up at my local league club and partied with us till the early morning in the changing rooms. He's an absolute legend, will never be forgotten.
As an Islander, everyone is family. Respect JC, for showing love always. 😔
Amazing story of friendship and tribute to Jerry from Ryan. I saw JC play many times for the Ospreys he was adored by our fans then and he always will be.
The amazing thing about JC was how many people had stories similar to this. Humble friendly giant, had time for anyone. Still miss ya crusher RIP.
I’m a kiwi born American and I have nothing but respect for American rugby players. They definitely aren’t playing the game for recognition, girls etc they do it for the love of the game. I believe Jerry on some level knew that. Respect
I played it for the same reason and I also respect American players such as this dude Ryan Matyas. I'm glad it appears he's still playing.
Big reason why all our kids want to play league i reckon. Recognition and girls😂
Great tribute Ryan to Jerry, thanks for your memories and alofa for our man JC. Humbled by your kind words, arohanui bro
Whenever this guy gets to play against the ABs I hope whoever is wearing the ABs Number 6 jersey gives it to him!! For real.
lol in the nicest possible way of course
So proud to be from the same place and have played for the same club as Jerry. Norths RC, Porirua city ❤️
i grew up round the corner from Jerry Collins stadium back then it was called Porirua Park
North's in the house
What a brilliant story, not only of the kind of man JC was or even Ryan’s own journey but a story of what makes rugby special, it’s spirit, the comradeship, the sense of belonging and being part of something no matter what corner of the earth you are from. No wonder it’s the game they play in heaven.
Jerry is very very missed by all of NZ and all who knew him
Dead right there cuzz.
This needs to be a Movie. Seriously.
That's our Jerry!! He's one of the greatest of all time and a proud Porirua boy!
Watched the 2008/09 year when the All Blacks came to Newlands to play South Africa. Sat near half way line at the bottom tire and could hear the hits. Will never forget hearing the hits between Schalk Burger and Jerry Collins. Every time they hit each other it sounded like a car crash. What a player and a human being.
jerry collins didn't play for new zealand in 2008/09
@@newchannelname3395you're definitely right probably talking about 2007 or 2006.
@@newchannelname3395 May have been later then. Can’t remember the exact season, but man it was a great game. Could have been the 07 season just before the World Cup.
@@jasonshaun6657 ye I think he retired after the 2007 world cup! Was only 27 or 28 at the time :(
@@jasonshaun6657 funny "you can be anything" when you're growing up, hearing and seeing beasts like this smack into each other made me realise I couldn't 🤣
Thanks to Ryan for sharing such personal memories. JC we miss you. I see his spirit in some people and those people are treasures.
Well said.
ngl once the waterworks started it just couldn’t stop 😢😭
RIP JC 🙏🏾🖤
AMAZING stories Ryan 🙌🏾👏🏾
Awesome story bro
Jc was my man growing up nz
A true legend we all looked up to him
Bless you bro
Thank you for your story
What an amazing tribute.
Yip JC the best.
RIP
What an amazing tribute from a good mate who became a bro to JC and his family..... miss u JC .... Amazing human
What a legend he was. As a Springboks fan, whenever we saw him in the All Blacks line-up you knew you were in for a proper game. And such a gentleman to match. What an inspiration!
This was beautiful to watch, so humbling and so sad at rhe same time. RIL JC. ♡
Growing up in Wellington, JC was a big feature in my life- on the field obviously but also off of it. Zeebos on a Wednesday night when he would roll into the pub - you'd just see all eyes centre in on the largest bro moving through the crowd, his bleached blonde tips glowing under the black lights making him stand out even more than his impressive form usually does. Bro would buy bevvies for most of the people at the bar when he ordered. Seeing the love for JC in his hometown of Porirua all these years after his passing is pretty rad
Jerry Collins - what a LEGEND!
great story. well told. I'm an American who lived in SA and became Bok fan. Mountains of respect for JC, and everyone who tell a story about him makes me feel small as as a person. What a man.
The stories about Jerry Collins being a legend are endless. True 🐐 of the game
jerry is from porirua.every1 from porirua Wellington is like that.there is no homeless in our city.alot of good sportsman and talented people.
No homeless in Wellington, rubbish. Wellington has a large homeless population. Lived there for ten years. Porirua has a few as well.
@@Nineteenseventy2 not in porirua.wellington has homeless people but we dont
yeah u lived there.ur not from there.if u were u would know there's no homeless in porirua.wellington has alot of homeless not poriru
There's plenty. You just don't live in the real world to know this.
@@arikielkington9727 You keep thinking that way. My sister works in Porirua, Tawa, Titahi Bay, Wellington, helping homeless and people needing homes. So for you to taint that shows you really have no idea.
I had the good fortune of meeting Jerry Collins once, I’m an average rugby player and just wanted to say hello. He was the nicest, most humble man but I would never in a million years want to play against him.
Amazing story! , Jerry is a very humble man ❤️
JC is someone no NZ rugby fan wanted to see retire, but wished well. Everyone I know was devastated when he passed.
Beautiful my bro. Thank you. Blessings to you and your family. We all family. Amen
Jerry left his mark on the field and off, a true gentleman of the game and a great person in general , we need more Jerry Collins in this world.
What you experienced Ryan is what we call in Samoan ,Alofa, Aiga,Uso, meaning love, family, and brother it is part of every Samoans DNA. ❤️
Jerry Collins gone but his memory and traits will never be forgotten ❤️🕊
I was fixing the fire system in a hotel the AB's were staying at and was working outside two feet away as they left to get into the bus for a match.
They were all in the zone, Ted in the front, all of them eyes forward.
Jerry noticed me standing awe struck flashed that HUGE grin at me and said quietly " how's it?"and stuck his hand out.
Didn't need to at all, just wanted to connect to a fan for the fan.
Jerry Collins was a true gentleman
Awesome ...you are very privileged to have had Jerry in your life. Much love
Big JC my favorite number 6 in the black Jersey. Enforcer , we need another like Jerry RIP Big Fella .
Fabulous memories. Remarkable man, remarkable athlete.
Awesome story Ryan JC was a beast but a humble man so glad you got inside the ropes,kiwi hospitality is well known ,to visitors from abroad
This is a fantastic story thanks Ryan for sharing.
Jerry Collins was and will forever will be a legend of game and the people of the game.
Wow. Just wow. When you already think someone is an amazing idol to so many, you listen to Ryan and are gobsmacked at just how great a man like JC was.
JC just sounds like the best type of person you could think. Absolute legend
A legend on the field and an even bigger one off, in the game of life. Where it wasn’t even publicised. Thanks for sharing and what great memories.
What an a amazing story about JC, incredible memories, just touching 🥰
Ryan... you're a genuine bloke. Amazing stories and an example of everything our great game stands for. Cheers from Auckland
the mention of his name and humbleness is endless , that says it all , respect and RIP JC
Awesome story Ryan. Living the dream mate, living the dream. 👍
Kiwi here, living in London at the time and it came on the radio rip JC. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Hurricanes
Awesome bro
I worked with his dad
Much love brother
Hey Uso bro, a great vid. Thanks man.
JC is the closest to Rugby's legendary top players. He's not called JC for nothing.
AMEN🙏
Uso... thank you for sharing. Great stories of a great man. He would be very proud of the way you shared. Alofas and God bless 🥰🌴🙏
Special story, J.C a true legend of the game. His memory will never be forgotten. I'll never forget the time he thumped S.Chabal in the 07 world cup.
RIP Jerry you legend, and love to you Ryan for that heartfelt sharing of your journey with Jerry. Peace and Love from Whanganui NZ✌✌✌❤❤❤❤
Love this story, the man! From humble Porirua ✊🏽 We got some more kings coming’ up
What an amazing, modest bloke. I mean this guy Ryan Matayas. Really inspiring. Thanks.
Awesome, mate! Congrats on your success, as well
7:04 Your humility is your super power uso ! 👏👏 thanks for sharing 🤜 🤛
Such a great story Ryan. He'll be proud of you. He made memorable moments on and off the field. From playing against him through schoolboy level and hanging out with him outside of those times, he always held himself well and gave whatever time and attention to those who asked or didn't ask. Great man. RIL uso JC ❤
Great story man. JC was most probably the best forward player of all time.
Awesome story bro!
Wish you all the best for future 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this about JC. He was a great man. RIP #6.
What a great guy you are Ryan. Great storytelling, all the best to you & your family
I remember having drinks in a bar in Dunedin and the Hurricane players were in there . Jerry Colins came up to the bar as I was ordering a beer and since there were only a few of the Hurricane players and just me and a couple of mates, JC invited us over to there table...the most surreal moment of my life. Talking to him was like talking to a long time friend and I will always remember this moment. A total legend
This is amazing. JC was a stalwart. I miss him terribly. Rest in Power Jerry Collins. I'm weeping
Great story about a great legend of our game 💙
Great video! Spoken to Ryan a few times and he’s a legend. I have a lot more respect for JC now.
Such an awesome tribute and thanks Ryan for sharing your personal experiences with the legend JC..
Chur Ryan mean story…thank u for sharing this story with us…Rest Easy King Jerry
you are all beautiful people. Love is the key to happiness
Thank Ryan for sharing & 1 man changed & shaped your future in you becoming a Eagle for America & playing against the All Blacks you got to meet them & then playing against them that's from JC saying & it came to fruitation.
thanks for sharing that story it moved me and reminded me what the game is about
What humble dude, you can tell he’s genuine, good on you bro that’s awesome you were lucky enough to meet and be treated as a brother from one of the greats in rugby history jerry was the man and forever will be remembered as that.
Legends never die
Amazing experience you had. Thanks for sharing.
Respect to you Ryan, so well told 👏
Ryan you told your and Jerry's story beautifully.
Ryan thanks for sharing your experiences.Nice one JC.
Jerry.. A Giant amongst men... Proud to have got to see the great man actually play and what a game it was!! His first tackle made the crowd go... "OHH!! ".. with a bus stop tackle.....when he took his opposite player out ... humble and kind with the BIGGEST heart.. love you Bro!
Thank you for sharing this story.
The man was a legend 4 sure. So sad that he passed so young. What a hero.
Great memories Ryan, sad that JC passed so soon 🙏
You knew it was good when he called you 'USO'. Its how we show love to those we accept as brothers. Great story man. RIP JC
Appreciate the story, painted another beautiful memory of the Uso Jerry Collins! ❤💯✌
Awesome story bro definitely touching, what an experience you must have had. Rip jc
Great story from a humble yet All Black legend .... he certainly showed our kiwi generosity and no bs approach to life..... in NZ we generally don't have a hidden agenda
Absolutely unreal!! This is phenomenal! More of these stories would be great rugby pass!!
I met JC back when I was like 11-12... Such a character man, huge heart he had... Definitely my fave rugby player
Smiling the whole way through this. Rest in love to the legend, Jerry Collins 💙
Great story , thanks bro. Jerry in fixed in my mind as one of the greatest of all time, I can still see him crushing dudes and being humble as
Respect brother! JC was a king! Appreciate your story on our king!
You are a man with a huge heart! Thank you for the memory!
Mate that was a great tribute to a legend of the game. You are a special guy yourself Bro, best of luck in your Rugby career. Thank you for sharing this.. God Bless..
What a grwat story, well told. Tears at the end.
that's the most defining moment, in my mind ... photos were not thought of, needed, or required when you have the memories, the episodes, and the friendships that sport brings ... whatever grade you played, and however high you achieved ... mates and friendships are the guts of team sports
Thanks for sharing brother! ❤️
❤i had experience the same thing. He is a lovely person inside and out. Never forget this giant🇯🇵
Thankyou very much for those little stories about you becoming friends with one of my favourite ABs.
Jerry colins was a wonderful player but an exceptional man.
Love the stories only close friends know about someone.
Awesome mate thank you so much for sharing your story about this legend. He lived 5 minutes from us in porirua. You’ve described him down to a Tee. 😊