Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu (1975–2015) was a New Zealand rugby union player whose extraordinary speed, size, and power made him the sport’s first global superstar.
1995 Rugby World Cup: The third Rugby World Cup, hosted by South Africa, where the host nation defeated New Zealand in the final. Lomu’s four tries against England in the semifinal became the tournament’s defining performance.
Winger (rugby union): A wide attacking position in rugby union, usually occupied by a fast player who finishes scoring opportunities. Lomu played on the wing, where open space let him turn speed into tries.
Graham Henry: A New Zealand rugby union coach who led the All Blacks from 2004 to 2011. Henry coached Lomu during his later international career.
Professionalism in rugby union: The adoption of paid player contracts in rugby union, formally permitted by the sport’s governing body in 1995. Lomu’s fame rose as rugby union entered its professional era.
England national rugby union team: The men’s national rugby union team representing England in international competition. Lomu’s four tries against England in the 1995 World Cup semifinal made his power globally visible.
Rugby union positions: The roles assigned to players in rugby union, divided into forwards and backs. His unusual physical profile stood out within the traditional role of a wing.
John Hart: A New Zealand rugby union coach who led the All Blacks from 1995 to 1999. Hart coached Lomu during the peak World Cup years of his international career.
Rugby union in popular culture: The representation of rugby union in entertainment, media, and public life. Lomu’s image reached audiences well beyond established rugby supporters.
New Zealand national rugby union team: The men’s national rugby union team representing New Zealand, commonly known as the All Blacks. Lomu became an international star through his performances for the All Blacks.
Rugby union: A fifteen-a-side team sport in which players advance an oval ball by running, kicking, and passing backward. Lomu’s impact came from exploiting rugby union’s open-field running and tackling.