Former All Blacks and family members have honoured Jerry Collins at Te Rauparaha Arena today, with stories ranging from love to his brutal presence on the field.

PHOTOS: Jerry Collins Remembered in Porirua

Tana Umaga says he can rest easy knowing Jerry Collins found love.

The former All Black captain and cousin to Collins has spoken at his funeral.

“He didn’t mince his words. If he liked you, you knew, and if he didn’t you knew that too.”

Umaga says one of his favourite memories are the discussions the pair used to have. He says he used to ask Collins what he’d do when he finished playing rugby.

"He goes, 'I’m going to play rugby for ages. As long as my mum and dad and family are looked after, I’ll just keep going'.

"That’s all he was worried about."

He says his family and that of Collins' wife Alana Madill are now linked through baby Ayla.

"Our thoughts and our memories will always be with Ayla. We're connected now, we'll always be connected as family, and we'll always be there for you if you need it."

Ayla remains in a serious condition in a French hospital, following the crash that killed her parents.

Alana Madill's father and sister flew to New Zealand for the ceremony.

Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett paid tribute to the star, saying there had been an out pouring of grief in the community "unlike anything we have ever seen".

Mr Leggett raised laughter at the Te Rauparaha Arena when recalling Collins' on-field exploits: The sound of Collins tackling an opponent was "like air being sucked out of a lilo."

He also recalled how Collins never missed a chance to play for his beloved Norths, sometimes only hours after turning out for the Hurricanes.

Ma'a Nonu spoke of the first time he heard of Jerry Collins, or JC, when he was 14. 

Nonu was at Rongotai College, while Collins when to St Pats Town, just across the road. The two colleges had a lot of history, and rivalry. 

"I thought he was only one guy, that day JC cleaned up, and he destroyed everything in his way.

"His carries, his tackles, and just his presence.”

Nonu went on to play with Collins as a Hurricane, and an All Black. 

"The following words pop up in my mind to describe him - ruthless, fearless, brave, courageous, a leader and most of all, in JC’s words, he was a soldier. 

"A soldier that sacrificed that bled that inspired kids all over New Zealand and especially in Wellington and his home town Porirua, he is a true legend.

"JC never forgot where he came from, and he loved his family so much. 

"I would like to thank JC for being a mentor, a friend, and a loving brother, thank you for everything you’ve done for the brothers and me JC, you will never be forgotten."