Following his death, New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said: “We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu”. According to the NY Times, after his stellar performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Cape Town, Lomu became the sports first millionaire.
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“Obviously Jonah has had a battle with kidney issues in recent years, but it’s nevertheless shocking to hear of what’s happened”.
Lomu leaves behind his wife and young children.
Lomu played for several domestic teams – Auckland Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, as well as North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Wellington.
Lomu had made a bit of a name for himself the previous year at the Hong Kong Sevens, but the rest of the world sat up and took notice at the ’95 World Cup in South Africa, with Ireland being the first victims of his brilliance. “By the end of it I’ll have learnt the ins and outs of every clinic in the country”, he joked to the Telegraph at the start of the World Cup, referring to his dialysis.
England attack coach Mike Catt was the man Lomu famously trampled over during his semi-final blitz but he paid his own heartfelt tribute. It was a performance that helped to usher in the professional era.
Nephrotic syndrome, a degenerative kidney illness, curtailed his career at his peak. A later transplant was rejected by his body in 2011. “A very special person”. His effort was this year voted the greatest in World Cup history. Thoughts are with his family.
Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies tweeted: “Can’t believe that Jonah Lomu has passed away”.
Zac, aged 20, had only found out two months ago that he had a cancerous tumour on his chest and a rare form of leukaemia, and his family have since been trying to raise awareness of his condition. “So sad, life is so cruel”.
“I think the word “legend” is used a lot with people and in his case he is what I call a true legend”. You changed the game of rugby and will be sorely missed.
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British media are ranking giant winger Jonah Lomu alongside Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as players who transformed their sport. In that 1995 World Cup, after he single-handedly bulldozed the English defense, England’s captain described the-then 20-year-old Lomu as a “freak” and said “the sooner he leaves rugby the better”.
