R.I.P. Jonah Lomu
New Zealand rugby union great Jonah Lomu has died aged 40.
Lomu, who scored 43 tries in 73 matches for New Zealand between 1994 and 2002, had been diagnosed with a rare and serious kidney condition.
It forced him to quit the game and he had a kidney transplant in 2004, but the organ stopped functioning in 2011.
“Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world,” said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew.
“We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family.”
Family spokesman John Mayhew told New Zealand television that Lomu’s death was “totally unexpected” and that he had only arrived back from the UK on Tuesday, after spending time there for the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said: “The thoughts of the entire country are with his family.”
In an interview in August Lomu had said he was on dialysis and hoping for a 2nd kidney transplant.
He is survived by his wife Nadene and 2 sons.
Lomu made his Test debut in 1994 against France in Christchurch.
As well as playing for several domestic teams in his homeland, he made 10 appearances for Cardiff Blues in Wales between 2005 and 2006, shortly before his retirement.
Despite never winning the Rugby World Cup, he is the joint top try-scorer in its history – alongside South Africa wing Bryan Habana – with 15 tries in 11 games during the 1995 and 1999 tournaments.
The winger captured global attention by scoring 4 tries against England in the 1995 semifinal, including a memorable solo effort where he ran over the top of fullback Mike Catt.
Former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the Jonah Lomu family tonight. A very special person.”
All Blacks Rugby World Cup winner Dan Carter tweeted: “I still can’t believe the sad news. Love and thoughts go out to Jonah’s family.”
And former Wales flyhalf Jonathan Davies said: “Can’t believe that Jonah Lomu has passed away. Was with him and his wife and family for an evening last month.
“So sad, life is so cruel. RIP Jonah you were a true legend and a gentleman. You changed the game of rugby and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with your family.”
No-one transcended the sport of rugby union quite like Jonah Lomu. Bursting onto the scene of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Lomu was a force of nature, the player of the tournament by some distance. His blend of pace, power and size never before seen.
Despite his health problems, he had been working in the UK during the recent Rugby World Cup, which makes his death all the more shocking.
Quite simply, Lomu was a giant of world rugby. The man who changed the game forever.
bbc
RIP Jonah Lomu and condolences to all his loved ones
What a player, what a man,TRUE LEGEND OF THE SPORT….RIP JONAH….thanks for the memories big guy
As they say, “only the good die young”.
RIP Jonah, and sincere condolences to his family, friends, the people of New Zealand & the rest of the rugby community.
So very sad.
Condolences to all family and friends of this giant of Rugby Union.
We were truly privileged to have seen you in full flight during your best years.
You will never be forgotten.
actually shed a tear when hearing the news this morning
RIP legend
such was his stature on and off the field
at least now he and JC (the rugby player, not the myth) can grace the fields of the game they play in heaven
first seen him play as a 16 year old… sad sad day
kia kaha Lomu whanau
@ nga puhi:
He was such a humble and gracious man Pops.
Kind and thoughtful as well.
Rest in Peace Jonah, legend of the game!
Very sad news!
Jonah changed All Blacks and world rugby!
Jonah was the original “Macro Wing”… now every All Blacks & New Zealand wing, plus wingers from Australia and a host of Northern Countries are these biggggggg macro wingers!
Jonah meets up with Joost and his family earlier this year.
RIP, Jonah. My enduring memory of him was when he ran over Mike Catt in the play off against England. True legend of the game.
10 @ Lion4ever:
Did you get that Invite I sent you for the Meetup on 24 November in Midrand?
Former Springbok center John Gainsford also passed away He played 33 tests during the sixties.
12 @ dWeePer:
Eish!
The BIG TREES of our game are falling this week!
Condolences to the Gainsford family!
Sad news indeed.
R.I.P. Jonah.
Your memory in Rugby Union will last forever.
@ cane:
Yes, that he was.
Read a story once about a USA company that offered him big bucks to use the images of him running over Catt in an advert. He declined the offer citing that he is not in the business to embarrass people.
What a guy!
Condolences to Jona’s family, I hope they live in the reality of JC (Jesus Christ), not the myth that all there is to life is only here and now, with no hope of eternal life, where there is no death and sorrow.
5: One of the other all time AB greats will strongly disagree with you: Michael Jones. Pay him a visit, it will be good for your soul.
http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/lomus-wife-pays-emotional-tribute-20151118
@ nga puhi:
Kia ora Pops…I first saw Jonah play too when he was about 16 @no8 for Wesley v St Stephens… He didn’t get to show his full potential that day as Tipene had an awesome back row .
I got to know Jonah on a personal basis when he first left school and have had contact with him over the years. The last time I saw him was a month before the WC. He was funny and the same Jonah I met all those years ago. He never changed over the years. Loyal to his friends and he had a long memory. If you did something for him he would always remember you, but if you crossed him, like one of my cousins did then you were on the outta. But he was a fabulous guy who loved his wife and kids. I’ll miss the big man.
@ nga puhi: howzit Pops. Long time mate. Yeah. A shocking and sad day indeed. Trust me, we all feel the vacuum. Well, I speak for myself certainly.
@ Te Rangatira: Hi TR. You were pretty privileged then. I too was privileged because I saw that AB demolition of England live including JL roll Mr Catt right under my nose on the 22m on his way to the tryline. I could see his eyelashes I was that close. I’ll never forget that moment at Newlands. It was quite extraordinary really. The reputation becoming reality.
@ Tassies:
Hi Tassies
That would’ve been the game I’d like to have been at…One of the early games I saw of Jonah was in the national secondary schools sevens comp with Wesley in the final v Waiopehu college, a small school from Horowhenua, who had a guy called Carlos Spencer in that side.Was title for tat with Jonah making those awesome runs of his and Carlos with the amazing skill…At the end of the day Wesley won out…but remember everyone saying those two will be Abs one day…
RIP Jonah, the documentary of him visiting south Africa recently was brilliant… With his meetup with Joost probably the best case of rugby comeradery i have ever seen. Visiting the cape flats and sharing his own story was also special.
Special guy. Condolences to his family.
http://ewn.co.za/2015/11/19/CARTOON-RIP-Jonah-Lomu
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