Former All Blacks Jonah Lomu welcomed in Tonga - Rugby News
The former All Blacks star, Jonah Lomu, who is on a Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 promotional tour to Tonga, has been warmly welcomed in his native land on Tuesday, July 12.
The rugby ambassador has not been back to Tonga for quite a while. In fact he travelled to Tonga almost 15 years ago. Lomu’s tour is part of New Zealand efforts to make the forthcoming RWC 2011, which is kicking off later this year on September 9, highly
successful.
Lomu has had a very interesting rugby career, even though he is Tongan, he has played for the All Blacks. He was included in the All Blacks Rugby World Cup 1995 squad after having just two International caps. However, he surprised the critics with his exceptionally
good performance in his very first appearance in the world showpiece. He scored two tries in the opening match of New Zealand against Ireland.
The legendary player continued with his great performances in the RWC 1995 and helped his side with an amazing four tries in the semi-final playoffs. Lomu had suffered chronic injuries after his first RWC. He was diagnosed with nephritic syndrome and was
ultimately got kidney problems. He overcame the disease after a hard fight and almost one year later, made his comeback into the All Blacks side. His highly successful career with the All Blacks came to an end in 2007.
On his journey to Tonga, Lomu seemed very excited to be visiting his native country and said, "Sitting in the cockpit of the plane, I didn't know how to feel until we popped out through the clouds and there was (the main island) Tongatapu. For me there was
just adrenaline, I couldn't wait to get off the plane.''
New Zealand’s foreign minister, Murray McCully, who is leading the RWC 2011 promotional delegation, acknowledged the services of Jonah Lomu and said that the player had worldwide fame thanks to his excellent track record. McCully further said that, "How
could that not be sensational? No matter where he goes he's recognised perhaps as the most dynamic figure in the history of Rugby World Cup, everyone remembers his exploits probably more than any other player."
Rugby World Cup 2011 is just around the corner now and New Zealand is trying to make sure the event is the most succcessful in the history of rugby.
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