EX-OSPREYS player and All Blacks captain Jerry Collins and his wife have been killed in a car crash in France, it has been reported.

The couple died in the crash in the early hours of this morning on the A9 motorway in Herault, southern France, according to local media reports.

Collins' wife, Alana Madill, also died, according to the French newspaper Midi Libre, and their two-month old daughter was taken to hospital in a serious condition after the colliding with a bus west of Béziers.

The 34-year-old was a blind-side flanker for the Ospreys between 2009 and 2011 and was playing for Narbonne in France's second division.

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been advised of a serious vehicle accident in France in which All Black rugby player Jerry Collins was killed."

A message from the All Blacks official Twitter account read: "We are shocked and saddened by reports about the accident involving Jerry."

Collins played 48 times for New Zealand in a seven-year international career which saw him represent the All Blacks at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

Collins announced his international retirement in 2008 and subsequently joined Top 14 side Toulon before moving to Wales to play for the Ospreys.

The Samoa-born player went on to spend two years in Japan playing for Yamaha Jubilo before joining French second division side Narbonne in January.

Collins made his debut for Super Rugby side the Hurricanes in 2001 - the same year he made his All Blacks bow - and the Wellington-based team held a minute's silence before their game against the Highlanders in Napier on Friday night.

All Blacks past and present were among those to pay tribute to Collins on Twitter after news of his death emerged.

"Very sad day to hear a team mate , and our very good friend Jerry Collins has passed. #allblacklegend," Collins' former New Zealand and Hurricanes team-mate Piri Weepu tweeted.

"Such sad news about Jerry, his wife & baby.... R.I.P Hitman," Cory Jane wrote, while Charles Piutau posted "R.I.P Jerry Collins and his wife. prayers to the baby and the family in this time.#legendofthegame #hitman."

Other figures from the world of rugby also took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Wales captain Sam Warburton tweeted: "What a huge loss. Inspiration to many young players growing up including myself. RIP Jerry Collins and his wife Alana. Best wishes baby Ayla."

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson wrote: "Terrible news about Mr & Mrs Jerry Collins. Jerry was the @JONAHTALILOMU of the forwards. A rugby inspiration of his time."

Former Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll posted: "Terrible news about Jerry Collins & his wife in France. Thoughts are with his family."