AN INDEPENDENT TRUST fund has been set up to help support Jonah Lomu’s family after it emerged the New Zealand great was struggling financially when he died last month.
Regarded as one of rugby’s biggest ever stars, Lomu died unexpectedly at the age of 40 on 18 November.
Lomu left behind his wife and two young sons, Dhyreille, 6, and Brayley, 5.
And the New Zealand Players’ Association has revealed the 63-time All Black passed away almost penniless after launching the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust on Tuesday.
“It appears that because of Jonah’s well-known generosity, he had taken on obligations, financial and otherwise, to support others at the expense of himself, Nadene and the children,” NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol said in a statement.
“It is also apparent that his twenty-year illness and long dialysis sessions, multiple times a week affected him far more than people realised, including his ability to work and earn the type of money people probably assumed he was capable of earning.
He was a humble and private person who chose not to seek help or be a burden on others in sharing his immediate challenges.
“Despite his debilitating illness he was unwaveringly optimistic and clearly had faith he would be able to continue working to meet these obligations and to provide for his family.
“Due to his untimely death, we all know this is sadly not to be, and Jonah is now unable to provide for his boys – for their development, welfare and education.”
– First published 00.15
