JONAH Lomu of New Zealand was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder in 1995 which had a significant impact on his illustrious rugby career.
By 2003 he was on dialysis and the following year underwent a kidney transplant.
Unable to make a comeback he retired from professional rugby in 2007.
On 18 November 2015, he passed away after suffering a heart attack.
Here are 12 facts about the All Blacks legend many fans may not be aware of.
1. Size and power
Despite weighing 120kg, he could run the 100m in 10.8s and was 1.96 metres tall.
2. Bodybuilding
After having retired fro playing rugby actively, Lomu gave a go at amateur bodybuilding and at a contest in September 2009 finished second in two categories - men's open over-90 kg and the mixed pairs.
3. Kidney transplant
Upon confirmation that he needed a kidney transplant, Grant Kereama - a radio presenter and Lomu's good friend - stepped up to donate.
4. McDonalds
McDonalds, in 1996, decided to honour Lomu by naming a burger after him, calling it Jonah Burger
5. Almost joined Leeds
In 2001, Leeds tried to entice the All Blacks giant to England for a third time to play in the Super League and for Leeds Tykes in the Zurich Premiership.
A hefty offer was on the table for Lomu to play both rugby codes but sadly did not materialise.
6. Humble beginnings
The only time Lomu ever got teased was when he went for athletics barefooted as opposed to all others who were properly attired.
7. Sons
At the time of his death, Lomu lived with his wife Nadene, whom he married in 2011, and children Brayley and Dhyreille.
8. Olympics
Lomu played a key role in having rugby accepted as an Olympic sport and did remark that it was one of his greatest achievements.
9. Robin Williams
An enduring friendship began between Lomu and actor Robin Williams after they met in San Francisco in 1998 at a promotion organised by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
They remained friends until Williams’ death in August 2014 aged 63.
10. Scrum power
He generally stayed out on the wing, but occasionally replaced Zinzan Brooke at the back of the scrum when the All Blacks needed more power.
11. World-famous
He’s the only rugby player ever to feature on the front cover of TIME magazine.
12. His love of cars
Lomu was always known for his extravagant car collection.
His best-known was a Nissan Patrol with a US$100,000 sound system.
His collection included a HSV, an R34 Nissan GT-R, a Hummer, Lamborghini and a 1967 Camaro. - Agencies, September 17, 2021
