Many in the crowd at the ‘Remembering Jonah’ Tribute held at Eden Park, Auckland today felt part of something bigger than a memorial. Held on the ground where this rugby player celebrated some great victories, it was a fitting tribute to Jonah Lomu.
The expectant crowds made their way to the home of The Blues rugby team, Eden Park. Also an All Blacks stronghold, and the site of some joyful days in the Auckland Super Rugby franchise; more enjoyable than seasons recently. But they all made the same journey from their daily lives to stop for a moment in unison, to stand silently together and think of the man, the player, the proud father and friend of many.
For me, I am of an age close to Jonah’s–42 years versus his 40. We both grew up in the Queen City of New Zealand. Jonah in South Auckland and Mangere and myself, in West Auckland. Minor similarities, different childhoods and different paths but both proud JAFA’s. “Just another fantastic Aucklander”, as Lomu’s All Black team mate Sir John Kirwan once quoted.
Joined by my Mother, this tribute was personal as much as any other member of the public’s. To be among the throng of fans and friends alike, who all took time from their week to travel to the centre of the city. On this day, we chose to take public transport, along with like minded everyday New Zealanders. Amazingly, we ended up sitting on a train beside Sir Graham Henry and Lady Henry.
That ‘rugby united’ bond helped us strike up conversation, and my mother was keen to ask if Sir Graham if he had “trained Jonah”. With a wry smile, Henry said “No, not trained him. More like held him back” he quipped. The coach of the all conquering Blues teams of 1996/1997, he knew more about Jonah than most of us on the train will ever likely know, but he was eloquent and singular in his praise of Jonah as a person.
The crowd that made it’s way onto the Southern Stand of Eden Park quietly waited for Master of Ceremonies John Campbell to help us reflect on a man that many think of as our strongest left-winger. That admiration stretches across the globe, so with technology, a worldwide audience were able to enjoy this emotional day, along with the thousands on hand.
Prayer opened the proceedings, and the family were seated beside the stage, and a Gospel Choir opened the occasion with a endearing rendition of the national anthem. Our Prime Minister then sent a message from abroad that mentioned how this humble hero from Mangere had changed the game, influenced the country and made a name for himself on the field and off of it, in the wider community.
One of the more emotive messages of the day came from World Rugby Chairman Beranrd Lapasset. He recalled how “Jonah transcended rugby geography” in his huge impact in 1995 during the Rugby World Cup. Lapasset was present on that symbolic day when New Zealand faced South Africa, and he drew the comparison between two important figures–Nelson Mandela and Jonah Lomu. The two men had an impact on society, and each had the same values and compassion for people.
He also praised the “Big Winger“ for helping lead the World Rugby bid to have Sevens Rugby included in the Summer Olympic Games. His organisation benefited from Lomu’s influence, and it would be sad that Lomu would not be present to witness the sport reaching new heights. In our country, the local fan base is yet to comprehend the worldwide reach that Lomu held, and in the public outpouring of grief and loss recently, we are now able to see and hear how he was so much more than just a beast on the football field.
A cherished moment was the performance of Favona Primary School. Lomu was remembered for his kindness as well as his athletic ability at the school. The children created a heartfelt rap that signified his connection with the school, as they sang “you showed us to follow our dreams. Never give up and always believe”. This was a joyful song that had everyone smiling and realizing the influence he had on children; Lomu and wife Nadene had also planned to develop charities to support children around the globe.
With words too from former Wesley College staffs, who regailed us with his sporting prowess on the field — “Too big, too fast, Too Much” was a valid illustration of his early potential. Former All Blacks Coach John Hart spoke too of the player who grew up in an All Blacks shirt, and became the touchpoint for the global reach that professional rugby enjoyed when Lomu was at his peak, before his illness became public in 1997. He reflected on his return at the Rugby World Cup in 1999, his retirement from the game, Kidney replacement and sadly, poor health returning to ultimately take his life far too early.
The sad reality that Lomu admitted to Hart recently that he feared he might “never see his two young sons grow up” was a premonition that was all too poignant. That truth being known, I believe his many ‘Uncles’ that also wore a black jersey will help his sons recall that their father was a truly remarkable human being, and one rousing rendition of a personally selected Chicago song was then performed by one of Lomu’s favourite South Auckland bands, Adeaze.
His ‘Sevens Rugby Mate’ in Eric Rush then made the most popular commentary on his friend’s impact on his life. He promised that, as the two would often joke with each other as team mates, that wouldn’t stop today “unless the Big Fella sit’s up”.
Then began the more relaxed and informal references that only rugby players and old friends can say to one another. Everything from his flared nostrils when he was in a fearsome mood, to his massive appetite, and how All Blacks coach Laurie Mains had trouble relating to the player; yet Mains had made the brave [and masterful] decision to select Lomu on the All Black wing after only a handful of first-class rugby games. Rush made the crowd laugh, and was honest and unashamed in his admiration for the man.
His lighthearted speech ended on an emotional call from himself, and from probably every All Black, Sevens, Super Rugby and International opponent who played on the same paddock as Lomu “we are going to miss you Big Fella”. Hearts broke, and both women and men shed a tear in the appreciation of the candid and sincere portrayal of Jonah Lomu the man.
And that was the main thread of the day. Lomu the Man (as much as a cool reference, as an honour badge for his peoples touch he had).
On hand were former team mates and opposing players. George Gregan and Tim Horan brought an Anzac spirit of comradeship among sportsmen. His pallbearers included his alumni of Michael Jones, Joeli Vidiri, Frank Bunce, Eroni Clark, team doctor John Mayhew and current All Black Jerome Kaino and Manu Vatuvei from the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team [the entire club had turned out in respect].
The final act, as the casket was brought down toward awaiting hearse, was the powerful Haka. One from his former schoolmates from Wesley College. The second, performed by a collected group of former All Blacks that would easily be among our greatest teams of the recent past; people Lomu respected and loved. And then a final haka from current Wesley College schoolboys who had made their way to the memorial out of respect for a former pupil who teaches them that ‘anything is possible if you dream you can’.
The family should be commended for their bravery in letting a nation grieve for their loved one. In the Church service last Sunday, in the Tongan community event on Saturday and today, in the public ceremony “Remembering Jonah”. They can now have privacy to bury their son, brother, sister. Their husband and father, son-in-law and friend. They can now have privacy for a time, even though they know that on anniversaries and special occasions, this rugby great will be remembered publicly again, and again.
It was a fitting tribute to Jonah Lomu. The number 11 flags that were handed out to the public are now keepsakes to go with our memories of the sportsman. For many more, like Sir Graham Henry returning home on the train from Eden Park, a wry smile and recollection of Jonah Tali Lomu will be a welcomed memory that many like myself, will cherish for a lifetime.
RIP.
“Main photo”
