Jonah Lomu

Jonah Tali Lomu was born on 12 May 1975 in Tonga and grew up in South Auckland. From the moment he burst onto the international stage, it was clear the world had never seen anything like him. Standing 1.96m tall and weighing 120kg, he combined the size of a forward with the pace of a sprinter — running the 100m in 10.79 seconds.

His 1995 Rugby World Cup campaign in South Africa announced him to the world. Four tries against England in the semi-final — including a moment where he ran through and over Mike Catt — became one of the most iconic passages of play in rugby history. He finished the tournament with eight tries, a record that stood for years and acheved over two World Cups.

Throughout his career, Jonah battled nephrotic syndrome, a debilitating kidney condition that required a transplant in 2004. That he continued to play at the highest level despite this illness speaks to his extraordinary character and determination. He was more than a rugby player — he was a symbol of resilience.

Jonah passed away on 18 November 2015, aged 40. Leaving behind his wife Nadene and their two sons Brayley and Dhyreille. The outpouring of grief from around the rugby world was testament to the impact he had — not just as a player, but as a person. The Jonah Lomu Sevens exists to honour his memory, celebrate his community roots in South Auckland, and inspire the next generation of players who dream of wearing the black jersey inspired by Jonah.