Jonah Lomu's story is extraordinary - in seven years Jonah went from unknown South Auckland teenager to the biggest name in world rugby. During that time he faced and brought under control a rare kidney condition which threatened his career, taking him out of rugby for nearly a year.

It is an unlikely story. A New Zealander of Tongan descent, Jonah Lomu grew up in the tough suburbs of South Auckland. Whilst at Wesley College, his sporting talents became glaringly obvious and became his major focus - he had represented Auckland Primary Schools in Rugby League where he was devastatingly fast. Jonah was also strong in track & field events.

At 14, Jonah was invited to join a development squad for promising teenagers - and Jonah switched to Rugby Union. Under the coaching skills of Chris Grinter of Wesley College, Jonah became
a giant, mobile loose forward for a period of 5 years in the College's First XV. He was a huge young man with real promise.

This raw ability came to national attention in 1994, when in his first year out of school, Jonah Lomu took the Hong Kong Sevens tournament completely by surprise. New Zealand rugby fans had never seen such a breathtaking combination of speed, power, ball skills and amazing tackle-breaking.

At the age of 19 Jonah Lomu became the youngest All Black test player as he debuted against France in 1994.

Then in 1995 he stormed onto the world stage at the Rugby World Cup in South Africa. He was named Player of the Tournament, scoring some of the best running tries ever seen in the game .  His individual 4-try demolition of the English team in the semifinal was a defining moment. Jonah had arrived in a significant way.

There were niggling leg and shoulder injuries but at the end of 1996 Jonah was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder. His rugby career went on hold whilst Jonah tackled the problem head on.

It is a tribute to him that by September 1997 he was back in his beloved number 11 All Black jersey for two tests against England & Wales on tour. 

The highlight for Jonah in 1998 was a Gold Medal in the rugby sevens at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. He thrived in the games environment, staying on to support the New Zealand athletes.

 

By 2003 Jonah had to have dialysis three times a week and desperately needed a kidney transplant. The operation took place in 2004 and Jonah immediately set about making a comeback to rugby but a shoulder injury in 2005 hampered his return.

 

He made his home debut for Cardiff in December 2005 but was dogged by further injuries. He decided to retire from rugby in 2007 but has since made a second comeback with Marseille Vitrolles Rugby.

 

Jonah has become a rugby legend and  is associated with overwhelming strength and coordination. His battle to overcome kidney failure and once again play first-class rugby has been an inspiration to fans the world over.

 

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