Though of Tongan descent, Jonah grew up in New Zealand and attended a South Auckland high school. Rugby union is New Zealand's most popular sport and every school fields a number of teams so it was natural for someone of Jonah's size and strength to end up playing rugby. Jonah was selected for representative sides while still at school and became one of our youngest All Blacks. Being so physically large and strong, he would have excelled at any number of sports but rugby was what he knew and had always been successful at.
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He suffered and illness which kept him out for over a year. He returned and played for Cardiff Blue and following that when back to New Zealand where he tried to make premier match place but was unable to due to health issues
Lomu moved to Wales at the end of 2005 on a short-term contract with Cardiff Blues. He was a crowd-puller and scored against Newport Gwent Dragons in front of delighted home fans. But a broken ankle ended his time with Cardiff early. He subsequently attempted another comeback with Marseille Vitrolles, whom he joined in 2009, but to no great success.
Lomu has been recognised by the IRB as one of the greats of the game. In 2003 he received a Special Merit Award at the International Rugby Players Association's awards. IRPA gave Lomu the rare honour - only two players, Jason Leonard and John Eales, have previously received it - for his contribution to the international game.
Despite a career sadly cut short by illness, Lomu remains one of the most recognisable players in the world and his performance in the 1995 World Cup semi-final is still a favourite with fans on YouTube.
jonah lomu is the best rugby player in the world ! jonah had a serious kidney problem and which he was helpd out by his mate grant keremeara a local lotto host in 1998
The big guy has had to retire from the game due to a serious health issue (not related to the game)