“It’s incredible what he did in that ’95 World Cup”. Lomu was that star for rugby union, his heroics in 1995 spawning a video game bearing his name two years later. But as we went to chase the kick off he was right against me, I thought he would be on the wing so it was a daunting prospect, but one I really enjoyed. “Going to miss you bro!”.
Advertisement
“I’m still in shock now realising a great friend has gone”.
I was proud to be a part of that small tribute to a fine human being – and am proud now, when I look back on it, to have played against one of the All Blacks’ greats.
Cole added: “I actually got cramp during the game and he was the first person to come over to me and help stretch my leg, and he was just asking me where I was from and if I was okay. It’s staggering, a very sad day”.
He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, with rugby’s governing body saying he had left an indelible mark on the Rugby World Cup.
Indeed, Lomu was the record try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history with a total of 15 until this summer’s event and, despite his enormous 18st frame, he could run a remarkable 100 metres in 11 seconds in his prime. His blend of pace, power and size never before seen. He was a freak of nature.
What Lomu, who battled for several years with chronic kidney disease, did for New Zealand in 1995 during the Rugby World Cup in South Africa changed the game of rugby forever. A credit to his country, his family and to the sport that he passionately played…
Others were quick to acknowledge the significant contribution of Lomu to the game. So sad, life is so cruel.
As soon as news broke of Lomu’s death, tributes began pouring in for the player who scored eight tries in the 1999 Rugby World Cup, including from the San Francisco 49ers Australian running back Jarryd Hayne, who used to play professional rugby.
“Most of the people in the world know him as a phenomenal rugby player, but he was so much more than that”. The man who changed the game forever.
“He was such a gentle man, a lovely man, softly spoken, but on the field an absolute superstar”.
He said: “I’d heard a little bit about him before the tournament but like all these things, you wonder if the hype is backed up by the reality – and it was”.
Former New Zealand captain Fitzpatrick said he was the first global superstar. “Heartfelt sympathy to family & a world of admirers who, like us, loved Jonah Lomu #RIPJonah”.
Advertisement
His father Jason tweeted Lomu asking for support, to which he replied with a heartwarming message that was retweeted 61 times and liked 153 times.
