The sporting world loses a Tongan icon

Transcript

Jonah Lomu in 2002 Photo: AFP

The Tongan government has paid tribute to 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, died in Auckland today aged 40.

Tonga's Sports Minister Fe'ao Vakata told Koro Vaka'uta how much Lomu meant to the islands.  

FE'AO VAKATA:  That's very, very sad news for Tonga and for New Zealand and for rugby overall.  Jonah Lomu has been an idol for all of us here in Tonga and a good role model for our rugby players and our youth.  We are all very, very proud that Jonah Lomu even played for New Zealand but the connections between New Zealand and Tonga and all the assistance that we have received from the New Zealand Rugby Union and everything has been very much appreciated.  But the sad news that Jonah Lomu passed away, I think and hope that his legacy lives on and not just to New Zealanders but also in the minds and hearts of all the Tongans. And secondly, Koro, that's very sad news in Tonga and we are just thankful that the good lord has given us Jonah Lomu so that he can be a good role model for all of us and something that we have to strive for with the standards and the level that he had played made sure he will be missed by New Zealand and Tonga, certainly, and the rugby world as well.

KORO VAKA'UTA: We know that he was famous across the world. In Tonga itself, how was he received?

FV: Certainly if other countries were proud of Jonah Lomu, then firstly Tonga would be much prouder about Jonah Lomu, and you know, even people here in Tonga have named their children after Jonah Lomu and everybody says they are related to Jonah Lomu here in Tonga, and that's how much we are proud and appreciated what he had given Tonga, and New Zealand, and world rugby.

KV: Rugby's always been popular in Tonga and continues to be. Has he inspired generations as well?

FV: Certainly, there's no question. But unfortunately the way our rugby's being run here in Tonga, and that's what we're trying to do from the ministry is to work with the local sports people here in Tonga. But Jonah Lomu has been admired all over here in Tonga, and as I've said, people have named their children after Jonah Lomu and say they're all related to him and everything, and that's how much we admire what he has done in rugby.

KV: We had another Pacific former All Black pass away tragically this year, Jerry Collins, and there were big ceremonies and occasions marked across the world. In terms of, you know, something potentially happening in Tonga to remember Jonah, would you imagine that would happen as sports minister?

FV: We'll certainly discuss it with staff and cabinet on Friday, but certainly we expect to do something to mark the passing of a great rugby player and a great idol for Tonga.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT