Jonah Lomu

Jonah Lomu (www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/16/jonahlomu_...)

Jonah Lomu was one of the most famous Rugby Union players in the world. He was born on the 12 May 1975 in Auckland, New Zealand. He weighs 125kgs (276lbs), he is 1.96m (6ft 5in). His parents were of Tongan descent. He attended Wesley College in Auckland where he started playing representative rugby. Jonah had a tough childhood, growing up in south Auckland around gangs. Luckily his mother helped bring him away from being put into prison or worse.

Jonah Lomu represented New Zealand in the National under-19 side in 1993 as well as the under-21 side in 1994. At the age of 19 years old Jonah became the youngest All Black test player. He was first seen internationally in the 1994 Hong Kong Sevens tournament. Jonah began playing for the All Blacks in 1994 against France. He played on the wing in the first game and then again on the wing in the second. This was the start of his career as number eleven on the wing.

Jonah was selected to be in the 1995 world cup with just 2 All Black caps.He stunned many international fans and scored 7 tries in 5 matches including 4 tries in the semifinal against England. At the end of 1996 Lomu was diagnosed as having nephrotic syndrome, a rare and serious kidney disorder. His rugby union career went on hold whilst the disorder was treated. In 2003 Lomu had been put on dialysis three times a week. His doctors warned him that he would have to face life in a wheelchair if the Kidney transfer was not performed soon. In 2004 he finally got a Kidney transplant

He has 63 caps and was put in the international Rugby Hall of Fame on the 9th October 2007. He had a huge passion for the game. He even had a tattoo on his chest with the number 11 on it. Jonah Lomu shaved his eyebrows with 11 in it also.

Jonah in action (www.sportcartoons.co.uk/wallpaper/jonahlomu.jpg)

People all around the world thought Jonah Lomu was one of the best rugby players in the world. But why? Lots of people think he is special because of lots of different reasons. He is an amazing player because of his amazing tries and his amazing skill, but the reason he is my hero is because of how he acts like a role model. I reckon he is amazing because of how much he loves the game, even after he had his kidney transplant he wanted to keep playing!