Former All Black coach John Hart has provided a touching tribute for the late Jonah Lomu at a memorial service held at Auckland’s Eden Park.
Hart, who coached Lomu on the international stage from 1996 to 1999, said that due to a long-standing kidney illness, the game’s most destructive winger only ever played the game at a maximum of 80per cent.
“It’s frightening to think what he could have done on the field had he not played virtually all his career with a huge medical handbrake,” Hart remarked.
Despite suffering from such a serious and worsening condition during his career, Lomu played 63 Tests for New Zealand and was widely considered the first rugby ‘superstar’.
“He overcame tremendous hurdles throughout his life but never, ever complained. He was a fighter until the very end,” Hart added.
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Carlos the Jackal
Guest
Farewell great one. Will truly be missed. Criminal he doesn't have a RWC winners medal. If only Hart had left Cullen and Wilson in their rightful positions!
Alan
Guest
Who knows. He might have gone there, been miserable and eventually leave the sport, only to return to NZ and possibly not make the Abs after that. At least he did something that he loved and he led a damn productive life. I am 36 and I feel that I haven't achieved anything in my life so far. I would honestly rather only live for 40 great years than 80 mediocre ones.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Farewell to one of the true greats, still can't believe the big man is no longer with us. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. There will never be another Jonah Lomu.
cuw
Guest
just wonder , had he taken that contract would he have lived longer? i mean not only does USa have the best of medical facilities but also 300+ mio people, so the chance of finding a matching organ would have been much higher. and with the strings the cowboys can pull ...... but we'll never know :(
wardad
Guest
Gotta love the blending of cultures . So very sorry to see Jonah leave us ,in body if not in spirit eh ?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
Vale, Jonah. Thank you, Sir.
Alan
Guest
Unbelievable speech from Eric Rush. He mentioned the fact that Jonah turned down a huge contract from the Dallas Cowboys for the Black jersey pre professionalism, not many would have the integrity to do that today. Truly up there with Richie as the best ever.
ben
Guest
http://livestream.com/share/videos/new?event_title=Jonah+Lomu+Memorial+Service&account_id=69849&event_id=4537456&post_id=105850795&link=%2Fi-filmsport%2FJonahLomuMemorialService%2Fvideos%2F105850795
ben
Guest
That was one helluva service.. absolutely awe inspiring. The singing was awesome..the hakas awesome..eric rushs speech hilarious...bernard lapassatte speech awesome. Extremely moving with so much emotion at both ends of the spectrum. The wesley old boys haka..the all blacks haka and the current wesley boys haka were inspiring. The kids from his old primary school..well their item put a smile on everyones face. From adijah to adeaze singing their hits to the dove releases...nz and polynesia come together again as one....a ceremony unique to nz. Love you All Black 941...love you Jonah.