We've seen tributes flow in from all corners of the World for former All Black Jerry Collins this past week, and today, Toulon have announced a very special friendly match to celebrate the life of such a well loved figure in rugby.
Toulon president Mr Mourad Boudjellal today confirmed that his club will take on the Classic All Blacks, made up of former All Black players now based outside of New Zealand, at Stade Mayol in Toulon on October 7th.
The Club, the town and the whole region are extremely proud and delighted to welcome the Classic All Blacks, such a legendary team, to Stade Mayol. I am sure the All Black Haka on this day will remember Jerry Collins with great emotion and so will we. Fans from around the world will witness two heavyweight rugby institutions competing against one another in the heart of Toulon.
It will no doubt be a fantastic occasion as the Classic All Blacks will face the champions of Europe with a star studded squad, and Classic All Blacks president Andy Hayden revealed his excitement at the prospect:
The Classic All Blacks will include many great All Black names currently playing overseas. They are players who are no longer contracted to New Zealand rugby and the Toulon team will feature many of the players who were part of the only team to have won the European Cup 3 times. When New Zealand plays France the matches are always exciting. There is always passion and flair and I’m sure this game will be no different. We want to remember Jerry Collins well on this historic day.
The press release that was issued today also revealed some of the players that have been invited to participate in the match:
The Classic All Black team will invite players from a list that includes recent All Blacks:
Carl Hayman, Ali Williams, Chris Masoe, Rudi Wolfe, John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Andrew Hore, Brad Thorne, Adam Thompson, Daniel Braid, Joe Rococoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Anthony Tuitavake, Sam Tuitoupou, Nemia Tialata, Simone Taumoepeau, Nick Evans, Tom Donnolly, Jason Eaton, Mike Delaney, Luke McAlistair, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina and others.
Now that is a friendly to get excited about. Remember the date, October 7th, as it will no doubt be a memorable occasion.
via Scoop.co.nz
