On Wednesday, Jonah Lomu was urged by the All Blacks to “be strong” as he faces a health scare at an Auckland hospital.
Suffering from kidney issues, Lomu was admitted to the renal unit of Auckland Hospital on Friday due to an undisclosed illness.
Although the Auckland District Health Board was unreachable for an update on Lomu’s condition on Wednesday, local media indicated that he is stable.
After completing team training in Wellington on Wednesday, players from the All Blacks and staff from the New Zealand Rugby Union came together to display letters that read “Get Well Jonah – Kia Kaha (Be Strong).”
Hooker Keven Mealamu mentioned he had no updates regarding Lomu’s condition, calling the act “just a nice message from the boys.”
“As a fellow All Black, all we want is for him to recover,” Mealamu stated to reporters.
“He’s been an integral part of the All Blacks’ history and is probably significant to what the team represents today.”
“It’s disheartening to see someone like him in this situation, so we are truly hoping for his swift recovery.”
Recognized as rugby union’s first global superstar, Lomu made his Test debut for the All Blacks in 1994 at the age of 19, accruing 63 caps and mesmerizing audiences during the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups with his explosive performances on the wing.
In 1995, he was diagnosed with the uncommon kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome, which ultimately cut his rugby career short.
He underwent a kidney transplant in 2004, with the donor being New Zealand radio announcer Grant Kereama.
by Buford Balony
