Jonah Lomu’s death leaves rugby fraternity stunned

Australia had a 35-34 lead with 30 seconds to go before Lomu ran down the left touch line to score in the corner and gift New Zealand a 39-35 win. A credit to his country, his family and to the sport that he passionately played…

“He was rugby’s first professional star at a time when the sport needed media coverage and recognition from sponsors”, he said.

Morne du Plessis, manager of the 1995 Bok world cup winning team, says Lomu leaves a huge hole.

He scored four times in the semi-final against England, famously trampling over fullback Mike Catt for his first touchdown. “So so sad An inspiration & hero to everyone ever involved in rugby”.

There are very few sportsmen and women who can truly attest to have transcended the norm and changed the landscape of their respective sports forever in the way that Jonah Lomu did.

From one great to another..

“It is with great sadness that I must announce my dear husband Jonah Lomu died (overnight)”, she said.

“We’re lost for words… our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah’s family”. True sporting giant & humble, charming, amusing & likeable man. RIP.

And former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies said: “Can’t believe that Jonah Lomu has passed away”.

Zac, aged 20, had only found out two months ago that he had a cancerous tumour on his chest and a rare form of leukaemia, and his family have since been trying to raise awareness of his condition. “So sad, life is so cruel”.

“Not only that, he had great ball skills and he could side step you as fast as he could run going forwards”.

“An incredible player on the pitch and a generous, kind and approachable person off it, Jonah will be missed by everyone in the rugby community”. Thoughts are with his family.

His death shocked many including New Zealand Rugby cheif executive, Steve Tew, who tweeted: “We’re all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu”.

Lomu’s diagnosis forced him to quit the game and it ultimately meant that he required a kidney transplant in 2004.

But in 2011 his body rejected the transplant and he was underdoing dialysis six hours at a time, three times a week since then.

It didn’t happen-though others have seen Lomu’s potential; the Denver Broncos offered Lomu million in 2003 to join its team.