While the Southern Hemisphere is coming to terms with Lomu’s unfortunate passing, the Northern Hemisphere awoke to the news.
For rugby fans of a certain age, Jonah Lomu was rugby. For rugby fans of every age, the New Zealand winger was an unstoppable, stand-back-and-gape talent.
Rugby mad New Zealand is in mourning today after news emerged of Lomu’s death, aged just 40.
Tana Umaga, a former teammate and friend of Lomu’s, aptly summed up the player’s impact on the game.
He commented, “There was no one like him. To be honest there probably never will be.”
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said, “He is truly a legend of the game and I think New Zealanders will really feel Jonah’s loss in an amazing way.”
Tributes to Lomu have flooded in from the rugby world and beyond.
#RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/b72VujMNUG
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2015
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
So sad to hear that Jonah Lomu has died. Rugby's first global star, what a player and more important what a good guy #verysad
— Will Carling (@willcarling) November 18, 2015
Sad sad news.. The man who gave kiwis the desire to play for the All Blacks. Thank you @JONAHTALILOMU will miss you big guy! #RILTokoUso 😞😢😢
— Piri Weepu (@piriweepu) November 18, 2015
His on field fearlessness was matched by his off field humility. So sad… https://t.co/NMa4ZSBhu5
— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) 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
#RIPJonah I will never forget that semi final in 1995. Watching one man change a game into a Global Sport in 80 minutes.
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) November 18, 2015
Shocked, thoughts are with the Lomu family right now ❤️❤️
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) November 18, 2015
Jonah Lomu RIP, a great pleasure to play with & against. A gentle giant of the game gone too young. Condolences to his family & many friends
— Neil Back MBE (@NeilBack) November 18, 2015
I am so, so devastated to hear of the passing away of @JONAHTALILOMU The greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being. Deeply saddened
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) November 18, 2015
— Andrew Flintoff (@flintoff11) November 18, 2015
