Rugby world pays tribute to Jonah Lomu: ‘An honour to hang on to his boot laces’
The rugby world is this morning reacting to the sad news that Jonah Lomu has
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The former All Black had battled kidney disease for almost 20 years, having retired early from rugby as a result of his illness.
Lomu won 63 New Zealand caps during his career and will always be remembered particularly for his electrifying performances at the 1995 World Cup.
His family announced the sad news online last last night.
#RIPJonah Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene used Facebook to issue a moving statement on her husband's death pic.twitter.com/Rerm7q195j
— EWN Sport (@EWNsport) November 18, 2015
There has been an outpouring of sadness at the loss of one of the sport’s greatest superstars.
Very sad news about the passing of Jonah Lomu. A hero for so many. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone @AllBlacks rugby
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 18, 2015
A game changer, a legend, an All Black. Our prayers are with family & friends of @JONAHTALILOMU @AllBlacks #RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/rczMza1tsC
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 18, 2015
Australian star Israel Folau expressed the sadness of many, saying: “Rest in peace to my brother Jonah Lomu. Going to miss you bro!”.
Irish rugby stars past and present paid tribute to the giant All Black.
Really awful news to wake up to this morning. Jonah was rugby's first real superstar. Thoughts are with his family.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) November 18, 2015
Very shocked to hear the sad news of Jonah Lomu. Our sport has lost its first real superstar. #RIPJonah
— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe) November 18, 2015
Remember this photo @MickGalwey . So sad to wake up and hear the news @JONAHTALILOMU RIP pic.twitter.com/01MgNnQxXo
— Frankie Sheahan (@FrankieSheahan) November 18, 2015
His legacy has and will continue to shape our game. A true hero of the sport! Deepest sympathy to his family and his @AllBlacks family #LOMU
— Cian Healy (@ProperChurch) November 18, 2015
His death is the second recent blow to the New Zealand rugby family, following the
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England’s Danny Care summed up the feelings of many when he captioned this picture: “RIP Jonah Lomu.
“An honour to even hang on to his boot laces trying to tackle him. I don't think anyone has or will ever change the game of Rugby like he did. True legend of the game”.
Condolences from beyond the rugby and sporting spheres were a measure of the impact Lomu had on the world.
Liverpool FC are saddened to hear about the passing of @AllBlacks legend, and Reds fan Jonah Lomu. YNWA. pic.twitter.com/XL4RAO2iqa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 18, 2015
Rugby icon and All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu succumbs to kidney disease, aged 40 https://t.co/A7UEB6GKaN pic.twitter.com/O59m4P9tPO
— TIME (@TIME) November 18, 2015
And anecdotes were shared of a man so popular he was revered by his opponents even while playing.
Brilliant story from @CliveWoodward on Today this morning. #JonahLomu pic.twitter.com/iyAaAA8geq
— Stig Abell (@StigAbell) November 18, 2015
Tragedy as the game's greatest passes away! Was lucky enough to play along side the big man for a season. Special person/player #JonahLomu
— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) November 18, 2015
