All Black Lomu in the Green

IT’S not usually something you see in Stephen’s Green on your way to work. So, heads turned two or three times as, ground rumbling beneath their feet, Jonah Lomu walked by. The quizzical eyes in faces asked, “it’s not him, is it?”

Almost eight years have passed since the unstoppable juggernaut sent a tackling Rory Underwood into orbit and reduced Will Carling to a confused wreck. Much has changed since then, but the effect Lomu has on the general public remains the same. Despite a debilitating illness and dip in form, he is still the instantly recognisable face of rugby.

These days, Lomu is more comfortable in the camera lens. The most marketable tuft in world sport was in town to promote a new Ballygowan product, but it took five minutes to realise eight years of superstardom hasn’t corroded any of the affability or decency Kiwis are renowned for.