RIP Jonah Lomu

Nov 18 • General News, International, New Zealand • 2209 Views • Comments Off on RIP Jonah Lomu

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All Black rugby legend and first global superstar of the game Jonah Lomu has passed away.

His death has shocked the Rugby World who mourn the loss of a great and humble man. A man who was taken way too soon.

Lomu burst onto the scene at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa scoring seven tries in the tournament. His physical size, raw pace and power were unmatched making him one of the most feared attackers of the game. The likes of his talent was never seen before or since. He changed rugby forever.

Jonah was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1975 to Tongan parents.

He represented New Zealand Schools at eightman and later switched to wing. He became the youngest ever All Black against France in 1994 at only 19 years and 45 days.

Lomu scored 37 scintillating tries in 63 matches for his country between 1994 and 2002.

At the 1999 Tournament Jonah went on to score 8 tries bringing his Rugby World Cup total to 15. A record which he shares with Springbok wing Bryan Habana.

The gentle giant was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition in 1996 which ultimately brought a premature end to his All Black career in 2002. Jonah had a liver transplant in 2004 but the organ stopped functioning in 2011.

Jonah continued to promote the game he loved and got to see the the All Blacks win the William Web Ellis Trophy at Twickenham just three weeks before he passed away.

Jonah Lomu is arguably the greatest rugby player of all time but what makes him even more special is the person he was off the pitch.

Rest in Peace Big Guy!