A new documentary exploring the life of Jonah Lomu, rugby’s first global superstar, will be released in cinemas for one night only on September 7, coinciding with a major All Blacks Test series against South Africa. The film offers a comprehensive look at Lomu’s meteoric rise, his struggles, and the complexities behind his public image.
Lomu first gained international fame during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where his unprecedented combination of size, speed, and skill revolutionized the sport. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 20 stone, Lomu’s performances, particularly his four tries in the semi-final against England, captivated audiences worldwide. His impact was so significant that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and media executive Kerry Packer competed fiercely for his signature, with Packer offering a reported $1.5 million over three years to secure him for a global rugby circuit.
Born in South Auckland and of Tongan descent, Lomu’s journey was shaped by both hardship and achievement. Rugby and his education at Wesley College provided him with a path away from gang violence in his youth. Despite his athletic success, Lomu battled a severe kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, which he concealed from coaches and teammates for several years. The illness eventually led to him undergoing dialysis and ultimately contributed to his death at age 40.
The documentary, co-directed by Irish filmmaker Gavin Fitzgerald and Tongan-New Zealander Vea Mafile’o, draws on unprecedented access to Lomu’s family to present a nuanced portrait of the athlete. It explores not only his career on the field but also the tensions he experienced between his Tongan heritage and life in New Zealand, his financial difficulties, and fractured personal relationships. Even after his death, cultural differences surfaced in disputes over his funeral arrangements.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick reflects on Lomu’s extraordinary talent and character. Fitzpatrick recalls watching Lomu dominate as a schoolboy No 8 before the team moved him to wing, and praises his unique combination of power and speed. “He’s the only global star we’ve ever had. No one has come close to him,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that Lomu’s influence transcended sport and inspired generations of young players.
Lomu’s illness was kept secret even as it affected his training and performance. New Zealand coach Laurie Mains nearly excluded him from the 1995 World Cup squad due to fitness concerns, but an injury to another player allowed Lomu to participate. Doctors and coaches only became fully aware of the severity of his condition years later, which altered their understanding and appreciation of his achievements under such physical limitations.
John Hart, who became the All Blacks coach in 1996, initially misinterpreted Lomu’s condition as laziness but later gained a deeper respect upon learning about the kidney disease. He described Lomu as a “rugby superstar playing in a body that had 70 per cent capacity” and speculated on the dominance Lomu might have achieved without such health challenges.
The film aims to shed light on the full spectrum of Lomu’s life, presenting a story that is as inspiring as it is tragic, highlighting the juxtaposition of his public legacy and private struggles. Tickets for the one-night screening can be booked through the film’s official website.