Breaking news through this morning is about to set the Wellington Sevens alight.
Wellington Sevens Media have advised:
International rugby superstar Jonah Lomu will return to Sevens Wellington this year as the tournament’s official ambassador.
Lomu played in the Wellington tournament in both 2000 and 2001, and says he is honoured to step into the ambassador role, and be an advocate for the game that helped him rise to rugby stardom.
“It is a privilege more than anything else to be part of this tournament. I’m on board with anything that encourages home-grown rugby and showcases Wellington at its best. This is our nation’s capital city, and in my eyes, this is the best tournament in the world.
“As much as I was born an Aucklander, Wellington has always felt like home, so for me, this feels like I’m coming home.”
Lomu said during his time playing sevens between 1994 and 2002, there are only three tournaments his national team did not win. Two of those were in Wellington.
“I’ve played all the tournaments, and the one tournament that slipped through my fingers, was this one.
“So every time the Kiwi boys win here in Wellington, I always feel proud. Even more than that, it’s just amazing to watch how Kiwis get in behind the tournament itself.”
The 38-year-old said as much as he loves the fifteens game, sevens is where the future is.
“When you’re looking towards the future and where things can really grow, sevens is your game. With it now being an Olympic sport, there is no bigger stage, and being there will take it to another level.”
Sevens Wellington general manager Marty Donoghue said Lomu was a powerful role model who boasted all the qualities to fit the ambassador role.
“He is a legend in the game of fifteens, and more importantly, he’s a legend in the game of sevens. He’s also a legend in Wellington, so to be able to bring all of those things together and have him be a part of the tournament is incredibly special.”
Donoghue said Lomu’s presence, experiences, and advice would be a great asset to the tournament.
“With the sport of sevens set to make an appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, we also look at this as an opportunity for Jonah to be an advocate for the next generation of sevens athletes,” he said.
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