Jonah Lomu

[Dan Dare]

What a life........... What a player.

I often wonder how many players in the game started lifting weights and getting stronger so they could try to tackle a "Jonah Lomu"

Rest in Peace big man.

[Wee Woman]

What gutting news this morning about Jonah Lomu, he was an absolute idol of ours. An icon of Rugby Union.

Him and big Jezza in one year, very, very sad .

Thinking of his wife, his 2 little lads who are much too young to have lost their Daddy and of course his wider family.

[hooking king]

I remember in late May 1995, watching Ireland against New Zealand in the World Cup - exams were looming but you don't miss the world cup - not when Ireland are playing. Irelands Call was making it's debut, Gary Halpin scored a try and hopes were high(ish). I'd never heard of or seen Lomu until that point. He completely changed the game. He went easy on us (2 tries). When asked afterwards how would you stop someone that size, Denis McBride replied "with a baseball bat". You can take the boy out of Malone... The England game turned Jonah from something of a rugby star into a global superstar. I'd never seen a player surrounded by other players of such high calibre stand so far above them. An incredible man, on and off the field. 40 is no age. Not for someone who at a time seemed immortal. You were an absolute joy to watch Jonah and the rugby world owe you a huge debt for the way you conducted yourself off the pitch, and on it. For how you brought the game to life and compelled non rugby fans to tune in to see how a 20 year old was rewriting the rule book.

RIP - thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and freinds.

[LegsLikeSausages]

Just heard. Terrible terrible news. RIP.

[FRB]

An iconic player who I believed changed the game. To be taken so young is a tragedy. My thoughts are with his family, in particular bis two young children.

[BaggyTrousers]

I remember in late May 1995, watching Ireland against New Zealand in the World Cup - exams were looming but you don't miss the world cup - not when Ireland are playing. Irelands Call was making it's debut, Gary Halpin scored a try and hopes were high(ish). I'd never heard of or seen Lomu until that point. He completely changed the game. He went easy on us (2 tries). When asked afterwards how would you stop someone that size, Denis McBride replied "with a baseball bat". You can take the boy out of Malone... The England game turned Jonah from something of a rugby star into a global superstar. I'd never seen a player surrounded by other players of such high calibre stand so far above them. An incredible man, on and off the field. 40 is no age. Not for someone who at a time seemed immortal. You were an absolute joy to watch Jonah and the rugby world owe you a huge debt for the way you conducted yourself off the pitch, and on it. For how brought the game to life and compelled non rugby fans to tune in to see how a 19 year old was rewriting the rule book.

RIP - thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and freinds.

Nicely said sir.

[ColinM]

Lomu took a game that was set to evolve with professionalism, and simply revolutionised it. A game changer.

[Shan]

Just seeing this now. Feck. Terrible news for his family. He'll not be forgotten in a hurry.

[Cockatrice]

RIP Legend...

[solidarity]

In case there are any youngsters who don't remember the 1995 World Cup, have a look at the compilation of his tries and assists. Just Google, 'Jonah Lomu creates carnage' and follow the link to Youtube. Sorry I don't know how to get the URLoff this tablet thing!

Great rugby player and, by all accounts, a great guy.

[big mervyn]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hLTxcyarfjw

[ChuckleBrothers]

A tragic loss...when asked what his inspiration was for the England 95 Semi performance, he answered 'Tony Underwood winked at me during the Haka'...BIG mistake!

[thecrouch]

Phenomenal player. Pace and power, the man had absolutely everything. Talent in abundance.

Sad, sad day for his family and sport.

[againstthehead]

A humble big giant who unfortunately has been taken too soon. His Doc was on the radio totally devastated but he was onto to say how Jonah was struggling with his kidneys from 1995. The coaches would have a go at him thinking he was lazy when he had bad weeks but he refused to let his Dr divulge his illness because he wanted to be judged on his rugby ability and not his illness.
Seemingly he had just flown in from overseas and looked well the night before but died from a heart condition, probably linked to his chronic disease. Very sad.

[Snipe Watson]

If this doesn't give you the shivers and a lump in your throat you're made of stone or you don't love our game.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=12 ... 58&fref=nf