It’s with sadness that I heard this morning of the passing of a true rugby great, New Zealand winger Jonah Lomu.
Just 40 years old, Lomu had suffered from ill health for many years, stemming from a rare kidney ailment that struck him down in his 20s, the prime of his career. Few will forget, though, the wonderful things that Big Jonah had achieved up to that point, with his amazing solo performances at the 1995 World cup in South Africa as a raw 20 year old arguably changing the rugby world virtually overnight.
Details are sketchy, but it’s probably to be assumed that Jonah passed as a result of his kidney condition. Whatever the cause, we can all come together to mourn another giant of our game, taken too soon under tragic circumstances.
Rest in peace, Jonah Lomu. May God bless and comfort your family, friends and countless fans at this sad time.
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RIP . a true legend of the game .
A legend of the game taken far too soon.
R.I.P. Jonah. Thanks for all of the special memories and for making me believe that one day I could also dominate on the rugby field. You gave a dream to so many people, young and old, all over the world.
What a sad day in Rugby. Gone too soon. 🙁
An Icon of World Rugby. Humble off the field and a Beast on it.
Big thanks to Steve Haag for permission to use the image.
Rest in peace Jonah, a legend amongst legends 😥
Rest in peace big guy. Condolences to your family.
So very very sad. RIP you Giant Teddybear.
Oh no man! I just watched his ‘back to South Africa’ documentary a few weeks ago. 🙁
RIP. Truly a giant of the game.
RIP…peace to you and comfort to your family…
Condolences to his family and friends. A true legend of the game.
Sad! Imagine how much more of legend he would have been without his kidney problems. He’ll be missed by all, except maybe Mike Catt.
RIP Jonah,may God bless his wife and 2 sons in this difficult time!So sad today!
R.I.P. Jonah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thought and Prayers are with his family and friends!!
So VERY sad. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to his family and close friends! Such a great pic!
This really is a sad day!
Truly a sad day. What an honour it was to experience that frisson of fear each time he took the field against my team.
@Big Fish (Comment 18) : jeez, remember the Blues teams of the late 90s? Lomu on the one wing, Vidiri on t’other?
@robdylan (Comment 19) : And thats ignoring their forward pack…
Eish,what a player ,what a legend yet so humble
@benji (Comment 21) : a proper example of a rugby great