World of sport remembers New Zealand rugby great Jonah Lomu
Published:
Matt Haynes | November 18, 2015
With the world of sport rocked by the sudden death of former New Zealand rugby star Jonah Lomu, Coral look at some of the Twitter tributes flooding in for the hugely talented, yet nevertheless humble giant, who at 40 tragically passed away, losing his battle with a rare kidney disease.
Twitter reacts
No sooner had the news broke about Lomu’s death, than celebrities from all fields the world over took to Twitter to share their tributes to a legend of, not just the game, but mankind.
Italian football star, Alessandro Del Piero shared his thoughts.
Jonah #Lomu was for rugby, what Maradona was for football. Goodbye legend you’ll never be forgotten. @AllBlacks
— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) November 18, 2015
Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas also had stirring words.
R.I.P @JONAHTALILOMU .Taken too soon , but your spirit will always live with us.A dear friend who woke the world up to rugby.xx
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) November 18, 2015
Many even paid tribute to what an inspiration that Lomu was on them, their careers and ultimately, their lives.
Wales footballer Robert Earnshaw was one of these who echoed this particular sentiment.
R.I.P. Jonah Lomu One of my heroes and one of my biggest influences who inspired me to pursue my dreams to become a sportsman. #JonahLomu
— Robert Earnshaw (@RobertEarnshaw) November 18, 2015
Fellow professional, Matt Dawson revealed Lomu’s inspirational effect.
THE greatest rugby player who globalised our game and inspired millions. I’ll proudly say to my kids I knew and admired him. #JonahLomu
Also keen to express his thoughts was former rugby league star Keith Senior, who remembered one of his favourite moments of the All Blacks star in action.
Sad news about Jonah Lomu. Some things you never forget and this was one. https://t.co/AajTSVaBFT life can be so short live it to the full
— Keith Senior (@KeithSenior4) November 18, 2015
Recent World Cup winner with the All Blacks, Ben Smith also revealed his devastation at waking up to the news that one of his heroes had died.
Desperately sad to wake up to news of Jonah Lomu's death. A colossus on field, a gentleman off it #RIPJonah pic.twitter.com/eYg2uhr5W3
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) November 18, 2015
A gentle giant
His imposing presence and lightning speed characterised his worldwide collective opinion of being the best in the world, and was, at his best unstoppable. However, he was also a genuinely nice man who had time for anyone.
Comparable to fellow sporting stars, Muhammed Ali and Pele, Lomu was rugby union. The term legend is often thrown about too easily, however, in this case Lomu was exactly that and his passing is a true loss to the world of sport.
