World grieves for Jonah Lomu as tributes flow for All Blacks legend

Rugby has never seen an outpouring of grief like it. Fans from almost every sport and every continent took time to pay tribute to Jonah Lomu, the fallen All Blacks hero, after he died suddenly in Auckland on Wednesday morning.

That he was "rugby's first global star" may have been the most-written phrase in the blanket coverage but its inherent truth was laid bare in the reaction, which spanned time zones, nationalities, codes and old rivalries. Lomu left plenty of men under his tread but not a single enemy.

Many had trouble digesting the news when it first broke, only for the tragedy to be confirmed soon after. Lomu had died suddenly at just 40, with the cause still to be determined but likely related to his ongoing kidney issues.

Superstar: Jonah Lomu with Ian Jones at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Reuters

Australian rugby fans, greats and current players were quick to voice their shock and sadness. Some, like former Wallaby Dan Herbert, had taken on Lomu first-hand and knew how fearsome he was in his prime in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Such was Herbert's regard that he was happy to elevate Lomu into the status of a Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky, two men recognised as the very best in their respective sports.

"I had the privilege of playing against Jonah for several years and I don't think I've seen the likes of him before or since and I'd be surprised if in my lifetime I ever do again," wrote Herbert, now a general manager at Queensland Rugby.

"His legend will live on and he will continually be regarded as the benchmark of modern-day wingers, in particular, and his contribution to the game is there for everybody to see.

"Jonah for me stands head and shoulders above anyone. He transcended the game. He is probably the first and only real global rugby star to the point where I would regard him as the Jordan or the Gretzy of rugby."

Kurtley Beale was among the Wallabies to share their thoughts on Lomu, who for many would represent some of their earliest rugby memories as he demolished defences at the 1995 World Cup.

"Jonah was the king of rugby, he changed the game," Beale told Fairfax Media. "Most importantly he was an absolute gentleman, one of the most genuine and down-to-earth people I ever met.

"I was privileged to spend time with Jonah over the past few years and I cherished every moment.

"He was a hero of mine growing-up, an All Black legend, but what struck me most was that he was always really supportive and encouraging, no matter what team you played for."

All Blacks coaching great Graham Henry said Lomu had unmatched physical gifts: "Jonah was a unique, sensational international rugby player because of his size, speed and skill," Henry said.

Another great winger, Springbok Bryan Habana, wrote on his Instagram page: "His on-field fearlessness was matched by his off-field humility. So sad to wake to the news of Jonah Lomu's passing.

"It was a privilege to have met you, to have been inspired by you and to watch you make the biggest impact we have ever seen on the game we love so dearly."

Former Wallaby winger David Campese posted a pic from the recent World Cup with Lomu, simply saying: "We always talked about life and family."

Campese's 64-Test try career ended a year after Lomu stunned the world with his 1995 World Cup debut.

with Kristen Tsiamis

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