Caption: The Haʻapai Islands, Tonga, where Lomu's parents emigrated from and where he spent parts of his childhood.
Jonah Tali Lomu MNZM (12 May 1975 - 18 November 2015) was a New Zealand professional rugby union player. Lomu is revered as the first true global superstar of rugby, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. With unparalleled speed, strength, and agility, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential players in the history of the game.
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4 inches and weighing 119 kilograms, Lomu was known for his unprecedented physicality. His exceptional size and skill set earned him the nickname "the freight train in ballet shoes." He redefined the role of a winger, breaking records and defying expectations. Lomu made his international debut for New Zealand at the age of 19, becoming the youngest ever All Black. Throughout his international career, he earned 63 caps and scored an impressive 37 tries.
Born to Tongan immigrants in Pukekohe, Lomu experienced a childhood marked by local gang violence. Despite these challenges, his passion for sports was nurtured by his mother. Excelling in athletics and both rugby codes at Wesley College, he burst onto the international rugby scene during the 1994 Hong Kong Sevens tournament. That same year, he made his debut in fifteen-a-side rugby and left an indelible mark at the 1995 World Cup with his remarkable performance against England.
Lomu's impact extended beyond the field. He became a cultural icon in South Auckland and the Pasifika community, using his status to support charitable causes. In 2004, Lomu underwent a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with a serious genetic kidney disorder. Despite health setbacks, he made a comeback in 2005, playing for North Harbour and later the Cardiff Blues. Lomu retired from professional rugby in 2007 but continued to participate in charity matches.
On 18 November 2015, Lomu tragically passed away from a heart attack associated with his kidney condition. His untimely death prompted a flood of tributes from around the world, honoring his incredible career and the mark he left on the sport. Lomu's legacy as a pioneer and game-changer in rugby lives on, forever inspiring future generations of players.
Early Life and Youth Career
Caption: Jonah Lomu's childhood home in the Haʻapai Islands, Tonga.
Lomu was born in Pukekohe, Auckland, on 12 May 1975, to Tongan parents who had emigrated from the Haʻapai Islands. His childhood was split between Tonga and South Auckland, where he encountered local gang violence. Despite these challenges, his mother encouraged his interest in sports. Lomu attended Wesley College, where he excelled in athletics and rugby. His talent caught the attention of Eric Rush, a New Zealand sevens star, who invited him to a sevens tournament in Singapore. Lomu's love for rugby union grew, and he began to pursue a professional career.
1995 World Cup
Caption: Jonah Lomu at the 1995 World Cup.
Despite having only two All Black caps, Lomu was selected for the 1995 World Cup squad in South Africa. He left an indelible mark, scoring seven tries in five matches. Notably, his performance in the semifinals against England became legendary. Bulldozing through defenders, he famously ran straight over the top of full-back Mike Catt. Lomu's dominant play propelled him to the top of the rugby world and earned him the title of try of the tournament.
1996-1998
Following the World Cup, Lomu continued to showcase his exceptional abilities. He scored tries against Australia, Italy, France, and Scotland, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer. In a historic move, a new competition called the Tri-Nations was formed, involving South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Lomu played a pivotal role in New Zealand becoming the first Tri-Nations champions.
1999 and the World Cup
In 1999, Lomu continued to leave his mark on the international stage. He played in the Tri-Nations Series, helping New Zealand secure victory despite a loss to Australia in the final match. Lomu's true brilliance shone at the 1999 World Cup, where he scored eight tries, including two against Tonga, one against England, and two against Italy. Although New Zealand fell short in the semi-finals against France, Lomu's contributions were undeniable.
End of International Career
Caption: Jonah Lomu in training in 2001.
Lomu's international career continued to flourish in the early 2000s. He played an instrumental role in the All Blacks' victories against England and France. Lomu's strength and determination made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. In November 2002, he played his final international matches against England, France, and Fiji. Despite battling kidney disease and undergoing a kidney transplant in 2004, Lomu's spirit remained unbroken.
Comeback
Caption: Jonah Lomu playing for Cardiff in 2006.
In 2005, Lomu made a remarkable comeback to professional rugby. He signed with North Harbour in New Zealand and later played for the Cardiff Blues in Wales. Lomu's return to the field inspired fans around the world. Despite injury setbacks, his determination and love for the game were unwavering.
Retirement and Legacy
Lomu retired from professional rugby in 2007 but continued to be involved in charity matches. Despite his incredible success on the field, financial troubles plagued Lomu, resulting in challenges later in life. He passed away on 18 November 2015, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the sport. Lomu's impact on rugby union and his ability to change the game will forever be remembered. His remarkable achievements and his role as a cultural icon continue to inspire players and fans alike.
References:
- Jonah Lomu on AllBlacks.com
- Jonah Lomu on ESPNscrum
- Jonah Lomu on the World Rugby Hall of Fame website
