SM
Real Madrid vs AC Milan: 13 hrs 13 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

New Zealand

Ex-South Africa captain Francois Pienaar hails "superstar" Jonah Lomu

:Headline: Ex-South Africa captain Francois Pienaar hails 'superstar' Jonah Lomu: ID:258011: from db_amp
Past and present stars of rugby union pay their tributes to Jonah Lomu after the New Zealand legend died suddenly at the age of 40.

Former South Africa captain Francois Pienaar has described New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu as a "superstar on and off the pitch" following his untimely death.

The world of rugby is in mourning after the ex-winger suddenly passed away at the age of 40 on Wednesday morning.

"He took the game of rugby to the living rooms of people that didn't know about rugby but appreciated that athleticism, skill and power," Pienaar told BBC Sport.

"He became the hero of many, many kids, who wanted to emulate him. He was the first truly global rugby superstar on and off the pitch."

Lomu, who was on dialysis following kidney problems, is widely credited with revolutionising the sport following his barnstorming emergence onto the international scene in 1994.

"He was very unique but also one of those guys who never had a big head. He knew his ability but he was very humble," ex-Australian wing David Campese added.

With 15 tries in 11 World Cup games, Lomu is tied with South Africa's Bryan Habana as the competition's leading tryscorer of all time.

Habana wrote on Instagram: "His on-field fearlessness was matched by his off-field humility. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

"It was a privilege to have met you, to have been inspired by you and to watch you make the biggest impact we have ever seen on the game we love so dearly."

Lomu is survived by his wife Nadene and their two sons Braylee and Dhyreille.

amp_article__258011 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-11-19 08:10:19:
html db last update - 2015-11-19 08:10:19 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Bryan Habana

Click here for more stories about New Zealand

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .