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...ing - scoring three tries. His next game was the All Black trials, and at the age of 19 years 45 days, Jonah Lomu became the youngest All Black test player as he debuted against France in 1994. If 1994 was an exciting transition from School to Rugby - 1995 was to be phenomenal. At the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, Jonah Lomu stormed onto the world stage - named Player of the Tournament and scoring some of the best running tries ever seen in the game of rugby. His individual 4-try demolition of the English team in the semi-final was a defining moment. Jonah had arrived in a significant way.
1996 saw Jonah held back by niggling leg and shoulder injuries. However, it was the end of 1996 that saw Jonah diagnosed as having Nephrotic Syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder. His rugby career went on hold whilst Jonah tackled the problem head on. It is a tribute to him that by September 1997 he was running on to lift Counties to a thrilling 17-16 victory in the NPC semi-finals. Jonah's form was so good, he forced his way back into his beloved number 11 All Black jersey for 2 tests against England & Wales on tour in late 1997.
The highlight for Jonah in 1998 was a Gold Medal in the rugby sevens at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. He thrived in the games environment, staying on to support the New Zealand athletes. The rapid rise of Jonah Lomu from schoolboy obscurity to international fame has been meteoric. But Jonah has not forgotten where he comes from - he still lives in South Auckland, plays provincial rugby only for Counties, and gives back generously to his two key charities.
In 1999, Jonah amazed the rugby-watching world with a huge World Cup. 8 tries, game-breaking moments, his special brand of power running at genuine speed. Jonah thrived in the World Cup atmosphere and although the All Blacks did not reach their objective, Jonah's reputation grew and grew. The rugby world was ready for a new hero, but no-one expected a superhero. Just like Superman he's hugely strong, handsome and larger-than-life...and his opponents usually come off second-best. Like any superhero the crowds adore him, reporters follow him and politicians line up to shake his hand.
Jonah is without doubt one of the worlds greatest ever rugby players and his battle against serious illness has only made him more determined to resume his international playing career.
He remains an Ambassador for his key sponsor Adidas and a true legend of the game.
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- Motivation
- Leadership
- The battle against illness
- Teamwork
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