Thousands crowd Eden Park for Jonah Lomu memorial

All Black greats united to pay tribute to Jonah Lomu with a powerful haka yesterday as thousands of fans packed a memorial service at New Zealand rugby’s spiritual home, Eden Park.

With former New Zealand captain and the man credited with promoting an improved Haka, Buck Shelford, leading the performance, it really will make your hairs stand on end.

The final service for rugby superstar Jonah Lomu was held today in South Auckland, and attended by approximately 100 of his nearest and dearest.

Lapasset described Lomu as “a giant of a man (who) leaves a giant space in world rugby”.

The star’s friends and family will gather for a private service to be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house in Mangere, Auckland.

Now, after his passing, Lomu’s former school pulled off a truly spine-tingling Haka.

Lomu’s wife Nadene followed, wearing a woven skirt – a traditional Tongan symbol of respect and mourning – accompanied by her two sons Brayley (6) and Dhyreille (5).

Since Lomu’s death, tributes have poured in from across the rugby world, with many current players recalling how he inspired them to take up the game.

Lomu first became aware of the illness in 1995, but kept it secret from the public and from teammates until he was forced to undergo regular dialysis treatments.

“Despite his deep disappointment, Jonah remained on the field until he’d shaken the hand of every single French player”, Key said in a video address from Paris where he is attending climate talks.

The former winger, who was capped 63 times by New Zealand and played for Cardiff Blues in 2005, passed away on 18 November from a cardiac arrest related to a rare kidney condition.