Why is jonah lomu so famous

Jonah Lomu, the world-wide rugby legend, made his All Blacks debut in at the age of 19 years, becoming the youngest All Black test player in history, breaking a world record that had been held since The winger went on to play 63 caps for the All Blacks scoring 37 tries. He also played abroad for Cardiff Blues and Marseille.

Jonah was also impressive at the short form of the game and burst onto the international sevens scene in Hong Kong in He led New Zealand to the final of the Rugby World Cup, scoring four tries in the semi-final against England and was part of the bid to get rugby into the Olympics.

Of course, Lomu was beloved at home, but what set him apart was that fans from Hong Kong to Huddersfield, Stellenbosch to Stirling all fell in love. Current England defence coach John Mitchell was capped alongside Lomu and also coached him when he was the All Blacks boss. He broke the line often against Scotland and scored in a tough match against Argentina. I remember how fans would walk past someone like Richie McCaw and make a beeline for Jonah.

According to good friend Eric Rush, who delivered a eulogy at a public service for Lomu, the wing was so humble and so willing to give himself over to others. The son of Tongan immigrants, Lomu was not just the first global sporting star, but according to some, an inspiration to those with Pacific Island heritage. That is testament to him and his name.

He was truly the first global superstar rugby ever had, or probably ever will have. Tongans and all Pacific Island nations are very proud of where they come from and Jonah definitely helped put Tonga on the map.

He was unstoppable. And not just in rugby either. He was feared the world over, probably more so overseas than here in New Zealand … and the best part of this fella is that he did it all without the slightest hint of arrogance or ego. It was a lot of money, and he turned it down. And most importantly, as a loving dad. Four weeks later, the day after the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, which was won by a Joel Stransky drop goal in extra-time, Lomu was lounging in a large hotel chair that was not quite generous enough to hide his ample frame from the hordes of fans who came looking for one autograph above every other in that pre-selfie, less security conscious time.

He was, in the words of Raymond Chandler, as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a slice of angel cake. His manager, the outgoing Phil Kingsley Jones , was holding court, regularly disappearing behind the reception desk to field telephone calls, many from suitors anxious to add Lomu to their portfolio. But the life of the soon-to-be former bank worker had become very different. Van Esbeck was the last journalist to have a sit-down with Lomu that tournament.

A couple of days after his interview, Lomu scored two tries against Ireland, knocking over defenders and showing a mixture of brute strength, pace and dexterity that no one claimed to have seen before on a rugby field.

He had won his first two caps the previous year in the home series against France and looked out of his depth as they lost both matches. He had not played for the All Blacks since and was only picked in one of the World Cup camps; not quite an overnight sensation, but his was no longer a name familiar only to a few.