19 Nov 2015

Tonga to discuss marking Jonah Lomu death

3:22 pm on 19 November 2015
Jonah Lomu in action at the 1995 Rugby World Cup

Jonah Lomu in action at the 1995 Rugby World Cup Photo: AFP

The Tongan goverment will discuss marking the death of one of the Pacific's most famous sporting figures.

Jonah Lomu, who represented New Zealand 63 times and became the most recognisable figure in world rugby, has died aged 40 in Auckland.

Tonga's Sports Minister Fe'ao Vakata says he brought great pride to the islands.

"Even people here in Tonga have named their children after Jonah Lomu and everybody has been saying they are related to Jonah Lomu. That's how much we are proud and appreciated what he had given Tonga and New Zealand and world rugby."

Mr Vakata says Tonga should mark Lomu's death and he will bring up the issue at Friday's cabinet meeting.