Shock as All Black legend Lomu dead at 40 - Capital Sports
Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Features

Shock as All Black legend Lomu dead at 40

LOMU DEAD copy

Rugby legend Jonah Lomu, regarded as the game’s first global superstar before kidney disease ended his career, died unexpectedly aged 40, the player’s family and New Zealand Rugby said (AFP Photo/Gabriel Bouys)

WELLINGTON, November 18 –  Rugby great Jonah Lomu, a pioneering global superstar whose speed and power terrorised opponents, died unexpectedly on Wednesday aged 40 after a long battle with kidney disease, prompting an outpouring of tributes for “a legend of the game”.

Lomu had for decades struggled with the kidney illness that cut short his playing career, but close acquaintances said his sudden death still came as a shock.

He passed away at his Auckland home, family spokesman John Mayhew said, after returning from a trip to Britain.

“It was totally unexpected, Jonah and his family arrived back from the UK last night and he suddenly died this morning,” Mayhew told TV3.

Mayhew, a former medic with the All Blacks, revealed Lomu’s family were “going through a terrible time”, before he broke down in tears.

Lomu played 63 Tests and scored 37 tries for New Zealand, rising to stardom at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

At his peak, the 1.96 metre (six foot five inch) Lomu weighed 120 kilograms (265 pounds) and could cover 100 metres in 10.8 seconds.

He combined the speed of a backline player with the power of a forward, creating a new template for wingers and attracting a global audience for the newly professional sport of rugby union.

Fellow legends paid tribute on social media to a player they acknowledged had a unique status.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU,” England’s Jonny Wilkinson tweeted. “The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened.”

France’s Thierry Dusautoir said “you inspired a generation of rugby players around the world”, while Welshman Jonathan Davies hailed “a true legend and a gentleman”.

Lomu’s death was most keenly felt in his homeland, where New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew said: “We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by his many fans both here and around the world.”

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also paid tribute to an “inspiration” and “game changer”.

“The thoughts of the entire country are with his family,” he said.

– ‘Transcended rugby’ –

Shortly after announcing himself at the 1995 World Cup, Lomu was diagnosed in late 1995 with the rare kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome, which eventually forced him out of the international scene in 2002 at the age of 27.

Yet his spell at the top had such an impact that he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011.

The global body’s chairman Bernard Lapasset said in 2013 that Lomu revolutionised the sport at a crucial time when it was turning professional.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“He was rugby’s first professional star at a time when the sport needed media coverage and recognition from sponsors,” he said.

“The conjunction of the way rugby was going pro and the way Jonah Lomu exploded on the scene was perfect for the game’s future.”

Former Wallaby Tim Horan said Lomu’s fame never went to his head and he was the first to walk into the dressing room to shake an opponent’s hand.

“His passing leaves not just a big hole in rugby, but in world sport,” Horan told Fox Sports.

Lomu remained one of the world’s most recognised and adored rugby players even 13 years after his last Test.

“He was one of those rare superstar players that transcended rugby,” South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby boss Brendan Morris said.

Before his death, Lomu was in Britain for promotional work linked to the recently completed World Cup, won by his beloved All Blacks.

In public appearances he looked healthy, joking with fans and leading a rousing rendition of the haka in London’s Covent Garden.

“He looked the best I’ve seen him in many years… he just had that sparkle and that look of life in his face… I’m totally shocked,” Australian great George Gregan said.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and sons Brayley and Dhyreille.

Advertisement

More on Capital Sports

Football

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 27 – DStv and GOtv subscribers are in for a treat of the world’s best football this week as the 2020-21...

Football

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – There is light at the end of the tunnel. After failed promises over the last three years since its...

Football

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 6 – Gentrix Shikangwa scored with two minutes left as Vihiga Queens sailed to the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers...

NFL

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – Kenya’s history making Daniel Adongo, the first Kenyan to play in America’s National Football League (NFL), is now living...

© 2024 Capital Digital Media. Capital Group Limited. All Rights Reserved