Jonah Lomu: All Blacks great to be given public memorial

The New Zealand Herald described the image as “a moving tribute” to Lomu, while French site “Ministry of Rugby” featured the Irish Examiner front page in an article entitled “L’hommage de la presse internationale à Jonah Lomu avec la très belle Une de l’Irish Examiner”.

Speaking to reporters on behalf of Lomu’s family, former All Blacks coach John Hart said: “Today the Prime Minister has sent a message to [Lomu’s wife] Nadene from the Queen”.

“Lomu, was widely recognized as among the five greatest players of all time in the sport and was heavily involved in promotional work during the recent Rugby World Cup”.

There were no signs when they arrived home of any issues with the chronic kidney disease that had plagued Lomu since his playing days. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition that year.

Local media reported that Auckland’s Eden Park was being considered for the public memorial service, which Hart said was possible though the family were still in discussions with central and local government about what was “most appropriate”.

His death took the rugby-mad country by surprise and triggered a flood of messages of condolence from around the world.

It will be followed by a private family church funeral service and burial.

“While we grieve for a husband, father, son, brother and good mate, we know that many people in New Zealand and around the world are mourning a very special individual”.

McCaw admitted he had thought twice about announcing his retirement a day after the unexpected death of Lomu at the age of 40.

“We are truly touched by the outpouring of love for Jonah and the support for our family”, he said.

“A sporting hero and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet”, he said.

The simple and poignant graphic, showing a leaf shed from the iconic All Blacks’ silver fern, resonated with rugby fans across the globe following the death of the former winger Jonah Lomu on Wednesday.