Tributes for Wellington club rugby player Willie Collins

Former Petone, Avalon, Hutt Old Boys Marist and Upper Hutt Rams club rugby player Willie Collins passed away in a diving accident on Sunday afternoon.

Collins, a relation of the late great Jerry Collins, was the brother of August and Joe Collins who have also both played Premier rugby in Wellington over a number of seasons.

The Collins family have been stalwarts of the Petone Rugby Football Club, whom Willie, Joe and August have all played Premier rugby for. August started in two Hardham Cup matches for Petone this year, while Willie last played Premier rugby in 2013 for Hutt Old Boys Marist.

Latterly, Willie was involved with the Upper Hutt Rams, playing and coaching at the Rams in their foundation season in 2014 and playing some Reserve Grade rugby in 2015.

Scott Waldrom, who played with Willie and August at the Avalon club, praised the dedication and commitment of the Collins family to the rugby community.

“The Collins family have been part of the fabric of the Wellington club rugby community over a long period of time,” said Waldrom. “Willie Collins was a great guy, humble and hardworking, and was always willing to put his hand up to help others out. He brought passion and spirit to the game. His loss will be felt keenly by a lot of people.”

Willie Collins also played NPC second division rugby for East Coast in the early 2000s, while he played Sevens rugby and rugby league as well.

This year he was Assistant Coach of the Wellington Samoans Women’s rugby team.

A personal trainer and boxing coach, Willie Collins ran Limitless Fitness and was previously head boxing trainer at Les Mills for several years. He won a national amateur heavyweight boxing title and he turned professional in 2010.

There will be family service at the Christian Congregational Church of Samoa at 197 Rata Street, Naenae at 6pm Wednesday.

The same location will also host the funeral on Thursday at 10.30am.