The late All Black eighthman Jerry Collins will be honoured by having a stadium named after him this Friday.

Porirua Park Stadium will become the Jerry Collins Stadium.

Collins grew up in Porirua, and played many matches at the stadium. Since his death in France 10 months ago, residents have been campaigning to have it renamed after Collins with mayor Nick Leggett avidly supporting the idea.

'Jerry was a favourite son of Porirua and I think that we wanted to honour him in an appropriate way for his memory and for his family,' Leggett said. 'It made sense to name the grandstand at his home ground park after him.'

After his death, rugby supporters gathered at the ground to carry Collins's coffin to the halfway line, with a guard in blue and white performing a war dance in farewell.

Collins's father will return to the stadium on Friday for the renaming and unveil a commemorative plaque for his son. 

Photo: William West/AFP Photo