It was with utter shock, dismay and great sorrow I learnt from my wife about the passing of the great Jonah Lomu.
New Zealand and World Rugby have lost a true champion.
It is a very rare few who are simply known across the world by their first name.
‘Jonah’ – forever synonymous with rugby and with true greatness.
He has left an indelible mark on New Zealand and sporting history forever.
To our friends in New Zealand we offer our heartfelt condolences and pay tribute to an icon of our sport.
We have lost an invaluable member of the rugby family and I have no doubt that all rugby lovers are in mourning.
Jonah represented all that is great in rugby. On the field his physical prowess was unmatched, as he trampled all before him.
To watch him run was a privilege as he cut a swathe through all the international rugby teams of the world. My God, what you wouldn’t do to have him in your side!
New Zealand was fortunate in having that honour.
To use a word from the current generation – he was simply awesome.
Off the field he was dedicated to his wife and two little boys. While sadly he will not see them turn 21 as was his often stated wish, I have no doubt he will be there in spirit when the time comes. His sons can be immensely proud of their dad, who expressed humility and gratefulness whether his team won or lost and despite every accolade earned.
On behalf of all rugby lovers, of whatever colour, creed or nation, we offer the Lomu family our thoughts and prayers in this terribly difficult time.
One can only hope there is an afterlife of some sort and that new and exciting worlds have opened to a reinvigorated Jonah, free of all illness, disease and ailments.
And if rugby is truly the game they play in heaven – God help the opposition.
Goodbye Jonah – thank you for your services to New Zealand and World Rugby.
You have made our game better than when you found it.
We are all the lesser by your absence.
You are the Muhammad Ali of rugby – simply the greatest.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Last couple of days has hit Kiwis pretty hard with Jonahs passing. It's everywhere...Sky has dedicated a channel, every paper is knee deep in Lomu articles...you can't avoid it. It's just so sad. 40? The greatest ball carrier in history...I don't know. In terms of his rugby Jonah would have terrorised sides for the next three World cups after 1995 if he hadn't had that terrible illness. Imagine a fitter and tormenting Lomu without any trace of illness after 95...
John
Guest
What greater tribute than to have the respect of one's foes. Well said. Vale, Jonah .......
Phil
Guest
WB,I also saw that documentary a couple of weeks back and it opened my eyes as to what a wonderful character he was as well as one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the rugby field.The part where he met up with Joost van der Westhuizen was especially touching and certainly I am not ashamed to say it brought a tear to my eye.To think how two greats of the game could be stricken with such illness,it is just hard to take.Looking at both of them you would have backed Jonah to outlive Joost,but not to be.Let's hope Joost lives on for many years.RIP Jonah,you will never be forgotten.
Muzzo
Guest
No Christopher, Jonah was greater than what Muhammad Ali ever was, as what Jonah did off the field of play was something that Ali could never match on the global arena. His international, attractions & promotions, were a credit to the man & his family. He did so much for the game of rugby, after hanging up the boots. I myself thank him for the memories. RIP Jonah
CC
Guest
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family, from the States. RIP
Fox
Guest
What a player..no player in rugby World Cup history lit up a tournament like Lomu...He was a freak in the true sense of the word and the greatest winger the game has ever seen for a hole bunch of different reasons. He changed the game and inspired Rupert Murdock to help it go professional, he was so in awe of what Lomu could do when he watched the 1995 World Cup RIP big fella...the game already misses you and has for a long time, forever trying to find the new Jonah Lomu... but unfortunately for all us rugby fans - there is just one - and only one..You are one of games greatest legends - if not the greatest
Pinetree
Guest
I didn't really start watching rugby till I was 19, but in 1995 when I saw Jonah play in the RWC I was converted to a fan and the sport I watch the most. Jonah inspired a lot of us to play and watch rugby and is a true legend as a man on and off the field. R.I.P Jonah Lomu, the game played in heaven just got a lot harder, and we will miss you.
onside
Guest
Tackling Jonah Lomu was like tackling a billiard table.
strupper2003
Guest
Thanks Jonah for bringing rugby into my life.
AJ
Guest
Was one of 100,000 at the Olympic Stadium in 2000. He gave Latho and the boys nightmares with his untackle-able legs and hips in the first half and then he tip toed down the sideline to win the greatest game.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
RIP to an icon of the game and a wonderful man, husband and father. I just finished watching a magnificent documentary about Jonah going to South Africa, absolutely compelling stuff. A true legend of the game that will be hugely missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Very sad day - a true rugby great that even opposition supporters enjoyed watching.
Oakie
Guest
RIP big guy, I will miss you.?
SM
Guest
Terribly sad to read this in the morning. I'm not really a rugby fan, but I remember the first time I saw him play. An absolute machine, it was like seeing Tyson for the first time.
Chinmay Hejmadi
Roar Guru
My Internet was acting up today, not connecting for more than 10 seconds. Once it did, one of the first things I happened to find out was this piece of news. It stopped me in my tracks. Still can't really fathom this, it's all come as such a shock. RIP Jonah, the Rugby world will be a poorer place without you.
mace 22
Guest
Mortality! Ain't she a be atch.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Hard to dissect that one many saw as 'super human' no longer alive RIP Jonah Lomu, thoughts go out to his family and friends :(
hakwa
Guest
RIP Jonah
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Was gobsmacked when I saw the news item on the big screen at work. Had to stare at it for a while for it to sink in. Not an avid rugby followers but he left an impression on me. RIP Jonah.
Hertryk
Guest
Jonah and Jerry on the same side... RIP you will be missed Sad day for Rugby, and sport in general Hearts and Prayers to his family..