Jonah Lomu Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Jonah Tali Lomu (born May 12, 1975) is a New Zealand rugby union player who has so far played 73 times (63 of these were test matches) as an All Black debuting in 1994. He is generally regarded as the first superstar of rugby union's professional era.Lomu was born in Auckland, New Zealand of Tongan descent. He grew up in South Auckland and attended Wesley College.
Rugby Career
While at Wesley and being coached by Chris Grinter, Lomu became a mobile loose forward for 5 years in the college's First XV. He was soon noticed by provincial rugby selectors, and played for the Counties Manukau NPC team for around 5 years. Lomu first came to international attention at the 1994 Hong Kong Sevens tournament.
At the age of 19 years and 45 days, Jonah Lomu became the youngest All Black test player as he debuted against France in 1994. His international coming-out party was at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, when he scored seven tries in five matches, including four in the semifinals against England.
At the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur he won a gold medal as part of the New Zealand rugby sevens team. In 1999, he scored eight tries at the Rugby World Cup.
At 1.96 metres Lomu is as tall as most locks, and at 120 kilograms is as heavy as most prop forwards. Despite his size, he was, when healthy, still able to run 100 metres in 10.8 seconds. At school his sprint training included running around the field, pulling a lawn-roller with a rope tied around his waist.
His style of play at times defied description; one commentator Keith Quinn was reduced to gasps as Lomu devastated England's backline. Mike Catt labelled Lomu 'a freak' after being steamrollered. Lomu's attacking style was pure power; like a force of nature, he had a tendency to run straight into/over any fullback foolish enough to get in his way. When at the peak of his powers, he regularly defeated up to five players on the way to the tryline.
Lomu's other provincial teams (NPC and Super 12) included the Auckland Blues, Waikato Chiefs, and later the Wellington Lions and Hurricanes.
For most of his professional career he was managed by Phil Kingsley-Jones. This contract was amicably terminated in 2004.
In 1995 Jonah won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Overseas Personality Award. Lomu spent a few off-seasons commentating in England, where he is treated like royalty. However, Jonah has remained steadfastly devoted to New Zealand rugby, and is determined to regain an All Black jersey. His amazing feats are seared into the memory of New Zealand fans; and he is one of their most revered sporting icons.
Personal Life
Lomu married South African Tanya Rutter in 1996, but in 1998 they separated.
At the end of 1996 Lomu was diagnosed as having nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder. His rugby career went on hold whilst the disorder was treated.
In May 2003, the NZRFU announced that Lomu had been put on dialysis three times a week due to deterioration in his kidney function and may eventually need a kidney transplant.
On August 21, 2003, Lomu married Fiona Taylor on Waiheke Island.
Side effects of Lomu's dialysis treatment led to severe nerve damage in his feet and legs; his doctors warned him that he faced life in a wheelchair if a kidney transplant was not performed soon.
Late in March 2004, Lomu was quoted by a Hong Kong newspaper to the effect that a suitable live kidney donor had been found, and that he would have transplant surgery sometime during 2004. However, the former All Blacks team physician who is overseeing Lomu's treatment quickly denied the report. Nonetheless, at the end of July 2004 it was reported that Lomu had indeed undergone a kidney transplant on Tuesday, July 28, in Auckland, New Zealand. He is now reportedly seeking to start his comeback in the New Zealand national Sevens side and play in the Sevens World Cup in March 2005. Before attempting a comeback, he will need special clearance from the World Anti-Doping Agency, as one of the anti-rejection drugs he must take is on the WADA list of banned substances. [1]
There is precedent for a professional athlete returning to competition after kidney transplant surgery; two NBA players, Sean Elliott and Alonzo Mourning, have done so. However, the level of physical impact in rugby is far greater than that in basketball.
Comedian Robin Williams has publicly touted Lomu as his favourite rugby player.
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