News Release

Thousands Honour Jonah Lomu at Eden Park Memorial Service

Family members, friends, former team-mates, dignitaries and members of the public paid tribute to rugby great Jonah Lomu this afternoon at Auckland's Eden Park.

Lomu passed away, age 40, on 18 November 2015.

The memorial service was hosted by television presenter, John Campbell.

Among those who honoured Jonah Lomu during the service were Prime Minister John Key and former All Blacks coach John Hart. Mr Key, who is overseas, sent a video message.

Chris Grinter, who introduced Lomu to rugby and served as a mentor over the years, recounted Jonah’s early years playing rugby.  

He concluded his remarks with his final words to Jonah, describing what many of his rugby opponents must have thought about the All Black: “Too big, too fast, too much!"

Prayers at the service were offered by Jonah's father-in-law, Merv Quirk, and former All Black Sid Going.

Going and his wife, Colleen, currently serve in leadership assignments in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' meetinghouse in Robertson Road, Mangere, Auckland.

Jonah Lomu was baptised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2012.

The Lomu family are members of the Church's Epsom Ward (congregation) in Auckland.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.