Date of Birth: May 12, 1975
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 18, 2015
Biography
Jonah Tali Lomu was a professional rugby union player from New Zealand, widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time. Born in Auckland, Lomu made his international debut for the All Blacks in 1994 at the age of just 19, becoming the youngest player ever to represent New Zealand in a test match. His combination of size, speed, and power revolutionized the role of the winger in rugby, and he quickly became one of the sport’s most iconic figures. Lomu burst onto the global scene during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where his performances, particularly against England in the semi-final, left an indelible mark on the sport. Despite never winning a World Cup, Lomu’s impact on the game was profound, with his ability to score spectacular tries seemingly at will. Off the field, Lomu faced numerous health challenges. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome in 1995, which eventually led to a kidney transplant in 2004. Despite these setbacks, he continued to play professional rugby at various levels until 2007. Jonah Lomu passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2015, due to a heart attack linked to his kidney condition. His death was a significant loss to the world of rugby, but his legacy as a trailblazer and a true sporting legend endures.
5 Interesting Facts about Jonah Lomu
1. Jonah Lomu was the youngest player ever to represent the All Blacks in a test match, debuting at the age of 19.
2. Lomu scored seven tries during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, including four in one match against England.
3. Despite his illness, Lomu played professional rugby until 2007, long after his initial diagnosis with nephrotic syndrome.
4. In 2004, Lomu underwent a successful kidney transplant, which extended his life and allowed him to continue playing rugby for a few more years.
5. Jonah Lomu was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jonah Lomu
1. “I’ve been in battles, I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve always believed in myself.”
2. “A hero is someone who steps up when others back down.”
3. “Rugby is not just a sport, it’s a way of life.”
4. “I owe everything to rugby, it gave me an identity and a purpose.”
5. “Pain is temporary, but pride is forever.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Jonah Lomu’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Jonah Lomu had two children with his wife Nadene: Brayley Lomu and Dhyreille Lomu.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Jonah Lomu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonah_Lomu
2. [All Blacks Profile](https://www.allblacks.com/players/jonah-lomu/
3. [BBC Sport Tribute](https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/34853566
4. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/18/jonah-lomu
5. [Rugby World Cup Highlights](https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/142564
