Malvern Rugby Club pays tribute to ‘inspirational’ Jonah Lomu

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”.

“She has written to the Prime Minister specifically asking that a message is sent to Nadene and their families to say how much she mourns their loss as well”.

Tattoo artist Lee Clements had become Jonah’s artist of choice during his time in Cardiff and the pair became friends, with Jonah often spending time at Lee’s house and Lee travelling with the Rugby Union superstar.

“He’d had cardiac arrest, clearly related to his kidney condition”, Hart said, flanked by Lomu’s mother Hepi and former All Blacks great Michael Jones.

His death comes after several years battling nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder.

The world of rugby was shocked on Wednesday after it was announced Lomu, known to millions for his incredible fast pace and his ability to storm past opponents easily, had died at the age of 40.

The family were talking to central and local government to arrange the best way to remember Lomu, he said.

Hart said farewell arrangements were still being discussed, but they were likely to include a large public memorial, possibly at the 50,000-capacity Eden Park.

“We have agreed that there will be a public memorial service for Jonah”, he said.

“We wish to thank all the people who have expressed their sympathies for our family at this incredibly hard time”, Lomu’s father-in-law Mervyn Quirk said in an earlier statement on Friday.

Morgan Freeman, who learned about Lomu’s strength and skill while researching for his role in the film Invictus about the 1995 World Cup that made Lomu a legend, said he was “heartbroken” to learn about his death. “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”.