In a week that has seen the western world sent into a reflective pause thanks to the violence of a few lost men hiding their truth under an all encompassing cloak of religious radicalisation, the rugby world learns of the loss of a modern sporting icon.
For those of us privileged to have watched Lomu evolve into one of the games most exciting players, we smile broadly at the joy he bought us as a superb athlete.
As a man, Jonah was a simple soul with a cheeky streak.
As one of only a handful of female professional rugby journalists in the world, back at the turn to professionalism in 95, I saw multiple sides of him, both on and off the field.
At the time, post '95 RWC, Jonah was a protected species and the Auckland Blues management were phenomenal in the way they protected the young man who in one season had become an international superstar.
For me, Jonah spent his earthly journey inspiring others, simply by 'doing him'. He had a strong faith and the most relaxed I ever saw him in the bump and grind of daily life as a professional athlete, was sitting on a couple of plastic chairs doing an interview with a member of the religious press at the Hyatt Regency Coolum during the inaugural Southern X rugby pre season tournament. It was also possibly one of the best articles I'd ever read about Jonah (and Nick-Farr Jones).
Although Jonah had been suffering ill-health since 1995, his was a talent retired too soon and a life ended prematurely.
Thoughts and prayers are with Jonah’s wife and young children as well as his broader rugby family.
Originally posted to how2social.com
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