HE graced the rugby scene after making his debut for the All Blacks in the Hong Kong 7s in 1994. Since then his efforts both on and off the field has been widely celebrated.
With the news of Jonah Lomu’s passing, the world of rugby union mourned the death of one of the greatest rugby players to take the field taking to social media to express their feelings in tribute to rugby’s first true global superstar.
That same tournament in 1994 Lomu had taken the first step to what was a lasting friendship with Fijian 7s maestro Waisale Serevi.
Surprised at his sudden passing Serevi expressed his sadness and reminisced of how they met.
“I was really surprised to hear the news. I was surprised and sad, especially when I thought of his wife and two kids. He was such a great guy. The first time I played against him was in 1994 at the Hong Kong 7s, then from 1995-1996 and the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia where he beat us all the time. I remember meeting him for the first time in Hong Kong in 1994. He came to my room with Luke Erenavula. They both played for NZ 7s that year. Luke said Jonah wanted to see you so I told them to come. We really had a great time that night. I made tea and we had FMF biscuits, Fijian bean, snacks and I wished Jonah all the best for the weekend. Little did I know that for the next two days Jonah would kill everyone on the field, including me, the one who fed him the night before. It was a longest 14 minutes in my life,” he said.
A big highlight for rugby union was the inclusion of 7s rugby in the Olympics, an achievement that was also propelled by Lomu.
“I was lucky enough to be part of the bidding team to go to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with Jonah Lomu to try and get rugby into the Olympics a few years ago and I thank the World Rugby for the opportunity. We will surely miss Jonah, especially nine months away from the Rio Olympics 2016 Rugby 7s.
“I believe rugby has lost a great rugby player, hero, legend and especially a great person in life,a symbol of the core value of rugby, condolence and prayers to his family.R.I.P my brother Jonah Lomu and until we meet again,” he said.
Lomu took a trip to Fiji in 2012 to be an ambassador for the Coral Coast 7s. Full of emotions co-ordinator Jay Whyte spoke highly of the global icon and his contributions to the sport.
“What he has achieved on the field is only a fraction of what he has achieved in real life. His legacy will live on and he is an inspiration but in particular to Pacific Islanders. A young Tongan boy had become a global superstar through hard work. As popular as he is, he was always an Island boy at heart, humble and always generous with his time.
Lomu had been battling kidney disorders since 1995 after being diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. He is survived by his wife Nadene and sons Brayley and Dhyreille.
