New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu who changed the face of rugby union

JONAH Lomu “changed rugby” says former England flanker Steve Ojomoh as he pays his respects following the sudden death of the New Zealand star.

Lomu, who was awaiting another transplant and undergoing dialysis treatment, had undertaken commercial obligations at the recent Rugby World Cup in England, won by New Zealand.

“Lomu, aged 40, collapsed and died at his Auckland home early on Wednesday morning after returning from Dubai on Tuesday, where he had been holidaying after being at the Rugby World Cup in Britain”.

The blockbusting winger had only just returned to New Zealand having visited Britain with his family during the Rugby World Cup.

“Wingers were normally small, nimble and agile and suddenly you had this huge guy and he was not big and slow, he was big and fast”. It was just awesome really to feel like this guy that you’ve grown up idolising in your high school years is just gracious enough to give you time and help you out. He was a freak of nature.

One game in particular witnessed a stand out performance. Single-handedly he put rugby back on the map.

But he soon established himself as rugby’s first global superstar, with his sensational four-try display over the English a week after helping to end Scotland’s campaign the undoubted highlight of his stellar career.

Indeed, Lomu was the record try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history with a total of 15 until this summer’s event and, despite his enormous 18st frame, he could run a remarkable 100 metres in 11 seconds in his prime.

New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu has died.

“No matter who you were he made time, no matter how busy he was he would have time for you and take the time to talk to you. He could be as much of a superstar now as he was then”.

And on social media, victorious World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw paid tribute to his former teammate last evening.

That’s right. It would have been a mistake for New Zealand.

“We’re lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family”.

“What he achieved on the field was absolutely incredible and he had such a massive impact on the game of rugby”.

Speaking years later, England full-back Mike Catt said that as he watched Lomu come towards him, “I thought, ‘there’s going to be a bit of a train smash here'”.

Lomu was widely viewed as a player who transcended rugby. “I’m absolutely devastated. It’s such a tragic loss at such a young age”.

“Everything that’s good about rugby – the values and behaviours – he was a man that demonstrated that”.