Justin Collins (rugby union)

Justin Collins (born 1974, also known as Gus) is an Australian born, New Zealand former rugby union player. His usual position was flanker.

Justin Collins
Date of birth (1974-04-09) April 9, 1974 (age 50)
Place of birthTasmania
Height1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight101 kg (15 st 13 lb)
SchoolKamo High School
Notable relative(s)Nick Collins (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Youth career
- Kamo High School First XV
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
Northland 114 ()
1998–1999 Chiefs 10 ()
1999–2009 Blues 92 (35)

Collins was born in Tasmania in 1974 and moved to Whangārei in 1984. He started playing rugby for Kamo High School, before progressing to Whangārei club rugby and then provincial rugby for Northland, for whom he made 114 appearances.[1]

He was selected for the Chiefs in Super Rugby in 1998. The following year the territories of the Chiefs and the Blues switched, and Collins made his Blues debut against the Highlanders.[1] He made 92 appearances for the Blues, scoring seven tries and 35 points, before retiring in 2009 due to series of concussions.[2][3]

After his playing career he joined the board of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, his work for which was recognised with the Kirk Award in 2016.[4]

Personal life

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Collins has been married since 2004, and has two daughters born 2002 and 2004.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Now and then: Justin Collins". The Blues. 26 August 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  2. ^ "Justin Collins". The Blues. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  3. ^ "Justin Collins". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Rugby: Gus Collins recognised at NZ Rugby Awards". The New Zealand Herald. 20 December 2016. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 23 October 2019.