‘JONAH WAS ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS’
A year after his death, legend Lomu still remembered with huge affection
AFORMER Wales international and ex-teammate of Jonah Lomu has spoken of his shock at the New Zealand legend’s death as the first anniversary of the tragedy approaches.
Lomu, perhaps the first global rugby superstar, died of a long-standingg g kidneyy disease on November 18, 2015, at the age of 40.
His death th – despite his long battle withh the disease being well publicised cised – shocked the rugby world. d.
He had shot to fame as a 20-year-oldd in the 1995 World Cup p in South Africa, scoring ring four tries in the semifinal against inst England in one of the e mo s t domi- nant individual displays the sport had seen. A decade later he moved to the Cardiff Blues by which time he was no longer at peak fitness – having reti retired from the international game on a tally of 63 caps in 2002. He played 10 times forfo the club. But his presence addedad stardust to the Welsh capitalcap region, according to fo former Blues fullback an and now commercial d director Rhys William Williams. “W “When he cam came to Cardiff h he came as Jonah Lomu the living legend – but he was also one of the nicest guys,” remembered Williams, who captained the Blues during the season Lomu was with the Arms Park outfit.
“He had time for everybody in the squad – from academy players to seasoned internationals.
“At Cardiff he had started to show glimpses of the old, younger Jonah Lomu. You could see exactly what he used to do.
“And wherever he played there were lots of supporters. When we played in Calvisano they had their biggest crowd ever – and that was all because of him.”
The Blues issued a tribute to Lomu after his death in which they described him as “a kind, humble and caring family man who made many friends during his time with us”.
And Williams, who won 44 caps for Wales, added: “I remember when he left he gave his TV to one of our younger players and left his ghetto blaster for the Blues gym. He was just a very generous person.
“His illness cut his rugby career short by several years but he really helped take it to a whole new level and helped grow the game.
“He was a giant of a man but also extremely quick with it. He was the first of that type of player and made a huge impact. He very quickly became an iconic player.”
Lomu died of a cardiac arrest brought on by his kidney disease at home in Auckland. Weeks earlier he had been in Britain for the Rugby World Cup – won by the All Blacks – and even took part in a haka at London’s Covent Garden.
“It came unexpectedly and you just never imagined [his illness] would have that effect,” Williams added. “He had been active during the World Cup and the next thing you hear is of his passing.
“It was such a massive shock to hear he had died.”