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18th Nov 2015

Brian O’Driscoll pays a glowing tribute to the iconic Jonah Lomu

From one great to another.

Paul Moore

From one great to another.

The world is coming to terms with the sad news that New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has passed away at the age of 40.

Former Irish internationals Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Horgan spoke to The Anton Savage Show on Today FM, to pay tribute to the former New Zealand player, who battled a rare and serious kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome.

Ireland’s record try scorer said that Lomu “changed the dynamic of rugby” making the sport even more exciting and was a gentleman off the pitch, someone everyone could look up to:“He had all the qualities you would aspire to in a hero”.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew speaks to the media following All Black legend Jonah Lomu's death on November 18, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand.

“No-one transcended the sport of rugby union quite like him; he was a force of nature with a blend of pace, power and size that has never before seen, certainly in a winger”

Lomu was at his brilliant best during the 1995 and 1999 World Cups, terrifying defences with his speed, skill and size, but his memorable try against England in the 1995 semi-final, during which he bulldozed several players and ran straight over the top of full-back Mike Catt on his way to the line, will always be remembered by rugby fans as one of the best ever. 

Jonah Lomu runs behind the posts to score a try du

Lomu’s diagnosis forced him to quit the game and it ultimately meant that he required a kidney transplant in 2004.

He is survived by his wife Nadene and two sons, aged 5 and 6. Movingly in August he said all he wanted to see was his sons reach the age of 21. 

Here’s the audio from O’Driscoll in full.