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Cape Town - The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is deeply saddened by the news that legendary All Black wing Jonah Lomu has passed away in Auckland.
Lomu, who was 40 years old when he died, was the star of the 1995 Rugby World Cup tournament, held in South Africa, and went on to become arguably the sport’s first global superstar. He returned to South Africa earlier this year for the making of a documentary during which he was reunited with former Springbok opponents as well as being a guest at the SARU Player of the Year Awards.
“We woke up to the news of Jonah’s sudden passing this morning and I speak for the whole South African rugby community when I say we are deeply, deeply shocked and moved by this news,” Oregan Hoskins, president of SARU, said on Wednesday.
“Jonah was a simply unbelievable player but, as much as he was a mighty All Black, he had a special place in South African hearts because of the connection we made in 1995.
“He was a credit to his country and a world ambassador for the game, loved as much for his humility and generosity of spirit as his playing. His passing leaves a hole in all our rugby lives.
“I would like to pass on the condolences of the South African rugby community to the entire New Zealand rugby community but most particularly to Jonah’s family and closest friends.”
