Former New Zealand All Blacks rugby player JONAH LOMU, a "man mountain who had blinding speed on the wing" has died, aged 40, according to Lagan & Spiro of the LONDON TIMES. Lomu played 63 Tests for New Zealand, "electrifying crowds at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa with a rare combination of size, speed and power that proved a game changer." He "scored 43 tries and played 63 Tests for New Zealand" between '94 and '02. Lomu, who was of Tongan heritage and raised in south Auckland, "had been suffering from kidney disorders" since '95 when he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. He had a kidney transplant in '04 but "had suffered health setbacks since." The former winger "was understood to have died on Wednesday" (LONDON TIMES, 11/18). In Sydney, Tom Decent wrote the All Blacks team doctor said that it was an "unexpected death," according to a report from New Zealand TV station 3News. But it "has also emerged" that Lomu was on the waiting list for a second kidney transplant after his first failed in '11. New Zealand Rugby CEO STEVE TEW said, "We're all shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Jonah Lomu. We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family. Jonah was a legend of our game and loved by many fans both here and around the world" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 11/18). Also in Sydney, Thornton & Lutton reported Lomu had recently been in England to help promote the Rugby World Cup and "appeared to be in good health as well as fine spirits." What had been a "wonderful month" for Lomu would take a "tragic turn" when ambulances and police began to appear outside his home in the Auckland suburb of Epsom around 11am local time. Former All Blacks doctor JOHN MAYHEW said Lomu's death "came as a shock despite his ongoing health issues." Mayhew said, "It most probably related to his renal failure but his renal failure had been controlled. We know that people who have renal failure have a higher instance of heart problems and lung problems. It is most likely related to his kidney but it is not actually caused by it if you understand those semantics." Lomu was waiting for a new kidney, but "had made a pledge to try to live into his 50s so he could see his boys grow into men." In August he said that he lost his father at a young age and "wanted to be around for his sons as long as he could" (SMH, 11/18). REUTERS' Julian Linden reported less than three weeks after the All Blacks "emerged triumphant" at rugby's most successful World Cup, the sport was "plunged into mourning following the untimely death" of Lomu. Although Lomu "never managed to get his hands on the Webb Ellis Cup," no one "contributed more to the tournament's ongoing ascendancy" than the New Zealand winger. Millions who "had never watched or followed rugby, were captivated by Lomu, a seemingly unstoppable force of nature" (REUTERS, 11/18).
WORLD REACTION: In London, the BBC reported New Zealand PM JOHN KEY said, "The thoughts of the entire country are with his family." New Zealand Sports Minister JONATHAN COLEMAN said that Lomu "was the first global rugby superstar." Coleman: "He was a huge inspiration to Polynesian men and actually in later years with his battles against kidney disease, very inspirational to people suffering from chronic diseases as well." After the news of his death broke, former New Zealand captain SEAN FITZPATRICK tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the Jonah Lomu family tonight. A very special person." All Blacks 2015 World Cup winner DAN CARTER tweeted, "I still can't believe the sad news. Love and thoughts go out to Jonah's family." Former Wales rugby player JONATHAN DAVIES said, "So sad, life is so cruel. RIP Jonah you were a true legend and a gentleman. You changed the game of rugby and will be sorely missed" (BBC, 11/18). Also in London, James Orr wrote JONNY WILKINSON and DAVID BECKHAM "have led the tributes" to Lomu. Wilkinson, who kicked England to victory in the 2003 World Cup, described Lomu as the "greatest superstar and just a fabulous human being." Beckham said, "So sad to hear the news about this amazing giant of a man... A sporting hero and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet... A credit to his country, his family and to the sport that he passionately played... Jonah you will be missed" (INDEPENDENT, 11/18). The AFP reported French int'l THIERRY DUSAUTOIR said, "You inspired a generation of rugby players around the world." Former Wallaby TIM HORAN said that Lomu's fame "never went to his head and he was the first to walk into the dressing room to shake an opponent's hand." Horan: "His passing leaves not just a big hole in rugby, but in world sport." South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby CEO BRENDAN MORRIS said, "He was one of those rare superstar players that transcended rugby" (AFP, 11/18).
