The Queen has sent her condolences to the family of the late New Zealand rugby union great Jonah Lomu, says former All Blacks coach John Hart.
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One football fan, Shailendra Nair, posted this message via Fiji Rugby Sevens Fan Facebook page, “Former National 15’s rep, Apisai Naevo admits the death of rugby legend, Jonah Lomu is a huge loss for the world of rugby”.
Hart added that Queen Elizabeth had asked Prime Minister John Key to pass on her condolences.
Speaking in front of Lomu’s mother and wife, Hart paid tribute to the man he coached at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Hart also revealed more about Lomu’s death, saying he had just returned to Auckland after “a magic time” at the Rugby World Cup, which was won by his beloved All Blacks.
“He clearly had cardiac arrest”, Hart said, adding that the heart seizure was undoubtedly related to his kidney condition.
A striking tribute to Jonah Lomu on the cover of an Irish newspaper has gone global.
The Lomu family has also been in discussions with rugby officials and the government over funeral plans for a possible public service at Auckland’s Eden Park.
He said: “I’m delighted with the tremendous support were getting from government to celebrate Jonah’s life”.
“He went to bed Tuesday night and he was fine; unfortunately when they awoke mid-morning, they found him dead”, Hart said.
“We have agreed that there will be a public memorial service and that will be followed by a private family church service”.
“We wish to thank all the people who have expressed their sympathies for our family at this incredibly hard time”, Quirk said in a statement.
“We know that many people are mourning a very special individual”.
“We are truly touched by the outpouring of love for Jonah and the support for our family”, he said.
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McCaw admitted he had thought twice about announcing his retirement a day after the unexpected death of Lomu at the age of 40.
