UPDATED 5.14PM Porirua Park Stadium was formally renamed Jerry Collins Stadium today in an emotional ceremony today.

The event took place at 10am, and included the unveiling of a bronze commemorative plaque.

Giant pictures of the rugby player in action now adorn the stadium's wall.

Hundreds packed Porirua Park Stadium, home of the Norths Rugby Club, to see it renamed Jerry Collins Stadium this morning.

Jerry's father Frank was there, to thank the Porirua community for its support.

"It's a great feeling for us. It's a special day for our family and friends too".

Frank Collins has shared stories about his son's generosity. He said Porirua Park is where Jerry first started playing rugby and he'd send him off to play with two oranges and a drink.

"He came home one day, Jerry said: 'Dad I've got a problem. I said: 'What's that?' He said: 'only two oranges and too many palagis in the team. I said: 'what do you want me to do?' He said: You have to buy some more oranges and make some more drink'."

Photo/Georgia Nelson

Porirua's mayor said renaming the local stadium in Jerry Collins' honour is the best way to remember the rugby star. 

Mayor Nick Leggett said Jerry never missed an opportunity to put on a Norths jersey.

"That's why this is a special location and it's where Porirua people will come and remember his legacy".

34-year-old Collins died in a car crash in France in June last year. His partner Alana Madill died and his 3-month-old daughter Ayla Collins was injured but survived.