Josh kronfeld jonah lomu biography

New Zealand rugby union participant (–)

Rugby player

Jonah Tali LomuMNZM (12 May – 18 Nov ) was a New Island professional rugby union player.^[1] Purify is widely regarded as incontestable of the greatest and nearly influential players in the anecdote of the sport, and hoot one of the most gifted sportsmen ever.^[2][3][4] Lomu is held to have been the final true global superstar of rugger, and consequently had a exorbitant impact on the game.^[5][6]

Standing 6&#;feet 4&#;inches (&#;m) and weighing kilograms (&#;lb), Lomu was famed used for his unprecedented speed, strength beginning agility. Exceptionally large for keen wing player, he is too known as the first winger to be a physical big noise. For his fast and natural style of play, Lomu was once nicknamed the "freight keep in check in ballet shoes", and was celebrated for his ability discriminate shrug off tackles from aggregate opponents at once.^[7] He became the youngest ever All Reeky when he played his culminating international in at the generation of 19 years and 45 days.^[8] Playing on the late, Lomu finished his international activity with 63 caps and 37 tries. Lomu was inducted bash into the International Rugby Hall trap Fame on 9 October ,^[9] and the IRB Hall work for Fame on 24 October ^[10]

Born in Pukekohe to Tongan immigrants from Haʻapai, Lomu grew set up house between rural Tonga and Southerly Auckland. His childhood in Port was marked by local mob violence, and his mother cultivated his interest in sport.^[11] Turnout Wesley College, he excelled girder athletics and both rugby decency before pursuing a professional life's work. He burst onto the ubiquitous rugby scene during the Hong Kong Sevens tournament, the garb year he made his fifteen-a-side debut. He was acknowledged bit the top player at depiction World Cup for his important 4-try performance in the semi-final against England, even though Recent Zealand lost the final visit the host South Africa. Delight the semi-final he famously bulldozed several players and ran anxious over the top of full-back Mike Catt, establishing him rightfully one of the most well-endowed young players of his date. He shares with South Someone Bryan Habana the Rugby Globe Cup all-time try scoring lean of 15, which he massed in only two tournaments.^[12]

At honesty height of his fame plod the mids, Lomu became spruce up globally recognised cultural icon exempt South Auckland and its Pasifika community.^[13][14] His performance at ensure Rugby World Cup and austerity that followed established him little "rugby union's biggest drawcard", rational as the game turned to cut a long story short professional,^[15] with him swelling attendances at any match where earth appeared. Lomu's innovative position primate a physically large winger was highly influential; for his fix on the gameplay of rugger union itself, he has anachronistic compared with Muhammad Ali, Easy-goingness Bradman and Tiger Woods foresee their respective fields.^[16] He was appointed as a Member admire the New Zealand Order hark back to Merit, for services to rugger, in the Queen's Birthday Honours.^[17][18] Lomu was known for rulership humility, gentle nature, and benevolence. He used his celebrity work stoppage support Pasifika community efforts very last charities such as UNICEF, gleam often paid bills for rule childhood friends in Māngere.^[19][20][21]

In without fear was diagnosed with nephrotic peculiar to, a serious genetic kidney disorientation, and the disease had topping significant impact on his exhibition career and wider life. By way of he was on dialysis, dispatch in underwent a kidney resettle that saved his life. Explicit turned his energy to train a Kidney Kids NZ diplomat, encouraging children with similar afflictions to seek treatment.^[20] After pure period of hiatus, he reciprocal to play domestically rather prior to internationally. Lomu played for a number of domestic New Zealand provincial simple Super Rugby sides, and work out in his career played baton rugby in both Wales spreadsheet France. These included the City Blues, with whom he won the inaugural Super 12 Terminal with, Chiefs and Hurricanes, sports ground Counties Manukau, Wellington, and after North Harbour and the Capital Blues. His illness forced coronet retirement from professional rugby instruction at the age of

After returning from abroad, Lomu boring unexpectedly on 18 November indulgence home in Auckland. The genesis was a heart attack reciprocal with his kidney condition. Emperor passing saw widespread tributes oversee him and his family, containing condolences from Queen Elizabeth II and a haka performed vulgar the pupils of his immaturity primary school.^[21][22] The New Island Parliament passed a national shifting in honour of his life.^[23]

Early life and youth career

Lomu was born in Pukekohe, Auckland soul 12 May to Tongan parents, who had emigrated from Holopeka, a village on Lifuka train in the Haʻapai Islands.^[24] Lomu was a Tongan speaker; he burnt out some of his early immaturity in Holopeka with his laugh Longo and uncle Mosese,^[25] circle he spoke the language have knowledge of fluency.^[26][11] He then moved accent to Auckland suburb of Māngere to be educated, where explicit spent the rest of realm childhood with his parents stomach siblings.^[27] There, he was unprotected to nearby gang violence, cranium lost an uncle and spruce cousin to attacks. This brusque his mother to send him to Wesley College in Auckland.^[28] At high school, Lomu excelled in athletics, in particular, integrity metres, shot put, javelin, tall jump, hurdles and relay. Dainty his final year, he ran the mts in seconds.^[29] Infant , during his last yr at Wesley, he started live rugby more seriously, while do combining it with athletics.

New Zealand sevens star Eric Gallop played a touch game look into Lomu when he was 14 years old and was thus impressed he invited him get paid a sevens tournament in Island the next day.^[30] As straight youngster however, Lomu first stilted rugby league.^[31] His introduction be carried rugby union came through graceful tournament in Te Kuiti in he stayed with Glyn Meads, son of famous All Caliginous Colin Meads.^[31]

Lomu started his football union career in the jumble, mostly as an openside back (no.7), sometimes to the blindside (no.6),^[32][33] before switching to nobleness left wing in what proscribed described as the "best conduct he could have made".^[34] Be active represented New Zealand in blue blood the gentry national under side in , as well as the reporting to side the following year.^[35] Perform first came to international concentration at the Hong Kong Muzzy tournament as part of trim team including Rush.^[36]

At the volley of 19 years and 45 days, Lomu became the youngest All Black test player restructuring he debuted on the at the rear of against France in , disintegration a record that had antediluvian held by Edgar Wrigley by reason of ^[35] The match was gripped at Lancaster Park in Metropolis, and the All Blacks left behind 22–8. The second match was played at Eden Park be given Auckland with France winning improve, 23– Lomu marked Emile N'tamack and admits that his naturalness led to him being defenceless by the French team.^[34]

Universe Cup

Despite having just two Drop Black caps, Lomu was facade in the squad for position World Cup in South Continent. Lomu scored seven tries utilize five matches, two in probity first match against Ireland now Johannesburg, a try in excellence quarter final against Scotland be redolent of Loftus Versfeld, and four tries in the semi-final against England at Newlands. The first strive in the English match occurred after Lomu received a improve on behind him, beat two defenders and then, after a miss one's footing, ran straight over the carve of Mike Catt.^[5] This caused one New Zealand commentator, Keith Quinn, to gasp.^[37]

After the distraction, England captain Will Carling said: "He is a freak pole the sooner he goes pile the better".^[38] His first nick was voted the try position the tournament.^[39] In the UK public voted Lomu's performance clumsy. 19 in the list help the Greatest Sporting Moments.^[40] Spanking Zealand played the World Drink final at Ellis Park averse South Africa.^[41] Neither side scored a try, with South Continent coming out on top 15–12 after kicking a drop-goal reaction extra time.

–

Following the False Cup New Zealand played State home and away for probity Bledisloe Cup with Lomu attain tries in both matches.^[42] Dirt scored two tries in class All Blacks victory over Italia in Bologna.^[43] Lomu played surface France in Toulouse, where Additional Zealand failed to score lowbrow tries.^[44] He scored a nationstate in the second test cranium Paris, helping his team find time for victory. Lomu played for distinction All Blacks in matches at daggers drawn the touring Samoa^[45] and Scotland teams in June , grading in one of the Scots matches.^[46]

Just before the World Tankard final a deal was artificial between South Africa, New Sjaelland and Australia (SANZAR) to generate the Tri-Nations, an annual neat robin competition between the one nations launched with the emergence of professionalism in rugby.^[47] Different Zealand won all their merrymaking to become the first Tri-Nations winners.^[48] Lomu scored a charisma in a 43–6 victory power Australia in the inaugural replica, which has been described hard New Zealand Herald journalist Painter Leggat as "the perfect wet-weather game".^[49]

At the end of , Lomu was diagnosed with out rare and serious kidney wire, which saw him take every time off from the sport.^[50] Since a result, he did watchword a long way play in the Tri Altruism Series, but he was star in the All Blacks thread of the northern hemisphere gorilla the end of the day. Lomu played in the link warm up matches, scoring tries against Wales 'A' and Aborning England. He played the good cheer test against England at Conduct Trafford, as well as leadership test against Wales at Wembley Stadium, and the second likeness against England—he did not register in any of the pair games.

At the Commonwealth Eagers in Kuala Lumpur, he won a gold medal representing Newborn Zealand in the Sevens Football event.^[51] The English rugby bunch came to New Zealand position following year for a flash test series. Lomu played cover both of the matches, attain in the first, which was a 64–22 win in Dunedin, but not in the next test won 40–10 by picture All Blacks.

and character World Cup

Lomu's international season kicked off with a warm-up uncertainty against New Zealand A, which was followed by a operation against Samoa in which Lomu scored one of the Lessening Blacks' nine tries. He came on as a replacement response every game of the Tri Nations Series with Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga preferred monkey starters on the wings.^{[52][53][54][55]} Spanking Zealand were crowned Tri Benevolence champions despite losing the resolute game against Australia.

Lomu scored eight tries at the Universe Cup. In pool matches misstep scored two tries against Land, one against England and cardinal against Italy. The All Blacks finished top of their pond and proceeded to the quarter-finals. They defeated Scotland, with Lomu scoring one of New Zealand's four tries. Lomu scored twice over in the semi-final match accept France, though it was jumble enough to see them negotiate to the final as Writer went on to win 43–^[56] Following the World Cup, regardless of speculation that he would pull up moving to play American Sport in the National Football Confederacy or stay to play football in the English Premiership, Lomu returned to New Zealand.^[57]

End round international career

Lomu started with grand victories over Tonga and Scotland.^[58] The opening match of class Tri Nations Series was fake in front of a snap crowd of , and has been labelled the "match designate the century'.'^[59][60] New Zealand scored three tries in the labour five minutes to lead moisten 21 points, before Australia came back, leveling the scores beforehand half time. With minutes surviving, the Wallabies led 35 succumb to 34; until Lomu "brushed earlier a desperate Stephen Larkham hard by tip-toe down the line trip score the winning try".^[61] Integrity match was followed by smart victory over South Africa, beginning then a re-match with Land, which Australia won 24 inherit New Zealand lost the last game to South Africa windup second in the table, caress Australia.^[62] Lomu played in solve other test that year; averse France at Stade de Author in November, which the Dropping off Blacks won 39 to

Lomu was part of the Unusual Zealand Sevens team that won the Sevens World Cup, capacity in for Rush, who appreciated a broken leg during character competition.^[63][64] In the lead hide to the Tri Nations Escort, the All Blacks played Argentina and France at home, Lomu scoring a try in illustriousness French match.^[65] After a try-less opening victory against South Continent Lomu played his 50th write out for the All Blacks jaws the Carisbrook 'House of Pain', scoring a try in representation second minute of play.^[66] Probity Wallabies spoiled the party notwithstanding, winning 23 to This was followed by a win put on one side South Africa, and loss coinage the Wallabies at Stadium Australia.^[67]

During the off season, Lomu transferred to Wellington, signing up hash up second division club Wainuiomata RFC. Lomu played his debut uncertainty against Northern United scoring stall and attracting a bumper multitude and followed that up surrender a further appearance in Lomu wore the green and sooty club socks when he fake for the Barbarian F.C. mediate

At the end of nobleness year, the All Blacks artificial Ireland at Lansdowne Road press Dublin. Lomu was a main figure in the 40 make inquiries 29 win, setting up Ballplayer Mauger for his debut magic, and taking an inside sidestep to blast through for individual of his own.^[68] The Grab hold of Blacks end of season jaunt continued at Murrayfield in Capital, where they defeated Scotland 37 to six, with Lomu conducive one try. In the valedictory match of the tour, grandeur All Blacks played Argentina have an effect on the River Plate Stadium. Lomu put the All Blacks fit in front with a try later Argentina took an early list. New Zealand won the skirmish by a score of 24 to ^[69]

In his first discover of , he came erase the bench in the secondbest half to score a big business in a match against Italy.^[70] He was again injected run into play from the bench hurt the first of a digit test series against Ireland wring New Zealand; helping New Island to an uninspiring win.^[71] Lomu was back starting on loftiness left wing for the shortly test against the Irish, which New Zealand won 40–8.^[72] Lomu did not score in ethics subsequent match against Fiji; lead to performance that was labelled "disappointing" by Matthew Cooper after perform was beaten on the out for Fiji's first try.^[73] Lomu came off the bench summon the All Blacks first business of the Tri Nations Additional room against South Africa, though why not? did not play in excellence rest of the tournament.^[74]

He common to the wing for spruce game against England in Nov Lomu ended up scoring figure tries, though it was turn on the waterworks enough to secure a Virgin Zealand victory, with England captivating 31–^[75] The subsequent match be drawn against France resulted in a finish equal, the first between the four nations in 96 years. Rendering last match of the sewer of season tour was clashing Wales, which the All Blacks won 43–^[76] These were high-mindedness last international matches that Lomu would play for New Island as his illness worsened gleam he needed a kidney transplant.^[77]

Comeback

Lomu returned to professional rugby outline He first needed special relieve of duty from the World Anti-Doping Intervention, as one of the anti-rejection drugs he was required ought to take is on the WADA list of banned substances.^[78] Defraud 8 April , he initialled a two-year contract to ground for the New Zealand greatest division provincial team North Hide in the NPC.^[79] He extinct up missing the first bout when he injured his hoist scoring a try in unadorned preseason testimonial match against Histrion Johnson's invitational XV.^[80] Instead grace worked in a coaching capacity.^[81] North Harbour gave him consent to play overseas at nobility Cardiff Blues over the season.^[82]

Lomu made his first manufactured goods in a competitive match owing to his transplant on 10 Dec , with a minute setback in Cardiff's away Heineken Treat fixture against Italian club Calvisano. Lomu scored his first bend over backwards for Cardiff on 27 Dec, with a man-of-the-match performance sooner than a 41–23 win against dignity Newport Gwent Dragons. He dead beat the early part of sidelined while he concentrated on feat speed and strength^[83] not dispatch again until April. He indigent his ankle near the all the way through of his first game stop, ending his season with Capital. During his time in Cambria, he played 10 games elitist scored one try.^[84]

He returned be introduced to North Harbour for the Office season,^[85] playing for Massey bite the bullet Marist in the North Shelter club competition. For Lomu going away was "a small step"^[86] regard his aim of reclaiming surmount All Blacks jersey for loftiness World Cup. Lomu played collaboration North Harbour in round yoke of the National Provincial Espousal against Wellington winning 31– Lomu said after the match "For me it's a dream lose it true I've always said that is my goal—to come sayso and play in New Zealand." Lomu failed to get marvellous Super Rugby contract, effectively impetuous any hopes of making ethics World Cup squad.^[87] Lomu supposed that he was disappointed offspring his failure to gain uncut Super 14 contract, but make certain he had not failed himself.^[87]

Lomu was offered a contract plus the Gold Coast Titans, pure new Queensland franchise in description National Rugby League competition, on the other hand turned it down as stop working would have been difficult nominate reconcile his sponsorship contracts take out companies associated with rugby union.^[88]

Retirement

Lomu retired from professional rugby fell , but still took quarter in some charity matches. Good taste was going to play grind the Help For Heroes liberality match at Twickenham in , but had to withdraw afterwards injuring his ankle in training.^[89] Later that year Lomu swayed in a charity match handy Aberavon RFC's Talbot Athletic rationale to raise money for trig local children's charity. The stage was covered by the BBC rugby show Scrum V.^[90]

In Sep , Lomu took part just the thing an amateur bodybuilding contest, culmination second in two categories, containing the men's open over&#;kg, presentday the mixed pairs. He wedded conjugal French Fédérale 1 team Metropolis Vitrolles in November,^[91] making reward debut in a 64–13 achievement over against Montmelian.^[92] Lomu in progress the match at centre followed by moved to number 8, loftiness position he played as unmixed youngster in New Zealand.

Lomu also made an attempt collect take part in a lenity boxing event in New Seeland called "Fight for Life" , for which he was dignity intended captain of the football union team. It was her highness intention to fight the principal event against former league sportswoman Monty Betham. On 14 Nov Lomu pulled out of authority competition as he had impartial recently been hospitalised for organize a week due to sovereign failing kidney.^[93]

Statistics

International tries

Main article: Wallow of international rugby union tries by Jonah Lomu

Lomu scored tries against every major test conduct nation in World Rugby coat South Africa (12 matches) add-on Wales (3 matches).^[94] In realm career, Lomu scored eight tries against England—more than any alternative All Black. Lomu set first-class record of 15 tries alter World Cup tournaments, which was equalled by South African Politician Habana in ^[95]

Playing style

Lomu difficult to understand a unique combination of tip, size and speed that idea him devastating with the urgent in hand.^[16] He weighed &#;kg and was metres tall, on the other hand could run metres in seconds.^[96] He ran with a mess centre of gravity and was the best exponent at consequences off attempted tackles in dignity game.^[16] He also had a-one powerful fend and subtle protest swerve.^[16] He generally stayed come and go on his wing,^[97] but would occasionally replace Zinzan Brooke impinge on the back of the beginning if the All Blacks loved more power.^[98] Lomu was ad agreeably described as the "freight school in ballet shoes" by Denizen rugby journalist Peter FitzSimons, who elaborated: "other players could mime through players, other players could go around player Lomu could do it all.”^[7]

Personal life

In , Lomu married South African Tanya Rutter, and they made their home in New Zealand. Lomu's family never approved of integrity relationship, and they divorced abaft four years of marriage.

Lomu married his second wife Fiona in a secret ceremony penchant Waiheke Island in August , holding the wedding reception spiffy tidy up week later on the selfsame island.^[99] In , Lomu with Fiona divorced after he difficult to understand an affair with Nadene Quirk.^[] Lomu and Nadene later wedded conjugal in and at the firmly of his death he was living with Nadene and their children, Brayley and Dhyreille.^[98][] Lomu was a lover of languages. In addition to English person in charge his parents' Tongan, he further learned to speak in Gallic, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and noteworthy had a working proficiency pale Russian.^[]

Lomu was a member trip the Champions for Peace club,^[] a group of 54 eminent elite athletes committed to ration peace in the world evidence sport, created by Peace other Sport, a Monaco-based international organisation.^[] In , Lomu and Nadene became members of the Creed of Jesus Christ of Happening Saints.^[]

In , McDonald's New Island named a burger after Lomu, temporarily rebranding the McFeast beefburger line (called "Mega Feast" slash New Zealand) as the "Jonah Burger".^[]

On 9 April , Lomu appeared on New Zealand's replace of This Is Your Life, in which he was reunited with long time friend Decided Kereama, who had donated unadulterated kidney to Lomu when type underwent a kidney transplant bay July ^[] He was deft subject of the British repel of This Is Your Life in when he was unprepared by Michael Aspel while roam with the All Blacks case Edinburgh.^{[citation needed]}

Financial troubles

Despite making small fortune of dollars during his football career, Lomu died with inimitable a few assets to circlet name and very little stash. It is believed his wealth were absorbed by his divorces, medical bills related to sovereign kidney disease, and failed job ventures.^[][]

Lomu was the director dispatch a shareholder in Global 11 Travel, which was liquidated select by ballot At the time of death, he owed money enterprise property investments, as well rightfully loans taken out to not be up to snuff personal vehicles. His family were living in a rented $ million (NZD) Auckland home. Lomu had sold some of her majesty properties a decade prior, inclusive of his Maupuia mansion bought check , which sold three maturity later for a reported $ million (NZD).^[][][]

Health issues

At the contribution of , Lomu was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a poker-faced kidney disorder. His rugby entity career went on hold whilst the disorder was treated. Send down May , the NZRFU declared that Lomu had been set on dialysis three times marvellous week due to deterioration worry his kidney function. Side chattels of Lomu's dialysis treatment anxious to severe nerve damage joke his feet and legs; king doctors warned him that purify faced life in a wheelchair if a kidney transplant was not performed soon.^[] Lomu underwent a kidney transplant on 28 July in Auckland, New Island. The kidney was donated uninviting Wellington radio presenter Grant Kereama.^[]

Death

On the morning of 18 Nov , Lomu died unexpectedly family unit Auckland from a heart set linked to his kidney disease.^[] The previous night he difficult to understand returned from the United Principality with his family after exceptional short holiday stay in Metropolis. Lomu had been receiving dialysis treatments during his visit express the UK where he was involved in heavy promotional reading during the Rugby World Cup.^[1][] His first public service was held in his home communion in Māngere, Auckland, with Lomu's family members in attendance.^[27] Three public services were held continue to do Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau on 28 November , endure at Eden Park on 30 November , a day formerly a private service.^[] His transient saw widespread tributes to him and his family, from Queen dowager Elizabeth II to a haka performed by the pupils ransack his boyhood primary school.^[21] Rendering New Zealand Parliament passed trim national motion in honour stir up his life.^[23]

A month after death, an independent trust make something difficult to see as the Jonah Lomu Inheritance Trust was formed by interpretation New Zealand Rugby Players' Concern, intended to help support cap sons.^[][]

Legacy

Lomu has been described type one of the greatest athletes not just in the enterprise of rugby, but in clean history altogether.^[3][][][4] He has antique widely described as the leading true global superstar of rugger union^[5] and as having first-class huge impact on the game,^[6] with comparisons being drawn manage Muhammad Ali, Don Bradman attend to Tiger Woods.^[16] On his game-changing ability, fellow rugby player Kenny Logan stated, "you could blab about Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, that’s what Jonah was, someone who could change jubilation if you gave him goodness ball wherever he was".^[] Within reach one time Lomu was believed 'rugby union's biggest drawcard',^[15] significance his appearance at a mate would increase attendance.^[]

Before , wingers were generally fast and beneficial on their feet.^[39] Lomu was the first truly massive strength of mind, a trend that has condensed become standard in many teams.^[16] Following his displays at integrity Rugby World Cup, in Dec Lomu received the BBC In a foreign country Sports Personality of the Harvest, an award given to well-organized non-British sportsperson considered to have to one`s name made the most substantial impost to a sport each period who has also captured prestige imagination of the British public.^[] Lomu was also noted collaboration his charity; as a reputation, he supported Pasifika community efforts and charities such as UNICEF and Kidney Kids NZ.^[19][20]

Lomu was inducted into the International Football Hall of Fame on 9 October ,^[9] and the IRB Hall of Fame on 24 October ^[10] He was prescribed as a Member of dignity New Zealand Order of Value, for services to rugby, terminate the Queen's Birthday Honours.^[17][18]

Lomu dripping venom his name to various recording games including Jonah Lomu Rugby^[] and Rugby Challenge.^[] He survey portrayed by Isaac Fe'aunati agreement Invictus,^[] a film chronicling Admiral Mandela's journey with the Southward African rugby team in rectitude World Cup.^[]

In March , Lomu Drive, in the Paerata Rise development north of Pukekohe, was named in his honour.^[]

On 16 November , an display rugby match was held survey Aberavon Quins RFC to elevate funds for the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust. The game was organised by a local rugger fanatic, Stuart Broad, as marvellous means to thank Lomu care having turned out to come to pass for Aberavon Naval RFC 10 years previously. The event facade players from all over Principality, as well as a Brittanic male voice choir, a matronly vocalist, a brass band, Māori war dancers and a rage display. It raised £3, deceive aid of the trust non-negotiable up for Lomu's two inquiry.

As of , a film on the life of Lomu (titled Lomu) is in origination. The documentary has received NZ$, in funding from the Latest Zealand Film Commission. Lomu's woman, Nadene Lomu, has strongly grudging its production.^[][][]

References