His life was cut tragically short in November 2015, but Jonah Lomu packed in more than the majority into his 40 years – including playing for the greatest rugby side on the planet.
His widow, Nadene Lomu, has thanked New Zealand a year on from his untimely death in a statement issued by the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association.
“Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of those people who have supported our boys and myself since Jonah’s death a year ago,” she said.
“There have been many of you who have helped us through the toughest year of our lives.
“At this especially difficult time we want to keep a low profile and not make any public appearances, which I am sure people can understand.
“While every day is a challenge without Jonah, this first anniversary is particularly poignant for us all.”
She said the couple’s sons, Brayley, 7, and Dhyreille, miss their dad every day.
“We have a tight support team now and we are so lucky with the love of our family, friends and the church.”
Here, we remember the All Black great in pictures, from the start of his career to his last few weeks on earth.
The rugby great in 1996. His eyebrows were admired and copied throughout the country.
The All Black slips past the tackle of Australia’s Jason Little during a Bledisloe Cup test match in 1995.
Jonah Lomu, Sean Fitzpatrick and Jeff Wilson hold the Bledisloe Cup after beating Australia in 1995.
Jonah powers through the Irish defence during a Rugby World Cup pool match in South Africa in 1995.
Fending off Welsh defender Kevin Morgan during a test match in Wembley Stadium in 1997.
With teammates Jeff Wilson and Tana Umaga in Dublin in 1997.
Celebrating victory over Fiji to take rugby sevens gold at the Commonwealth Games in Kulala Lumpur in 1998.
Celebrating during the Commonwealth Games medal ceremony in 1998.
Swamped by autograph hunters in Auckland with the Blues in 1998.
Jonah was a regular at the Palace, pictured here alongside the Queen.
The rugby legend takes a selfie during the 2015 Rugby World Cup final match at Twickenham Stadium on October 31.
The Queen mourns the loss of Jonah Lomu
