The son of late All Blacks icon Jonah Lomu has made a shock revelation – if he follows his famous father into rugby, it’s France he wants to represent.
Dhyreille Jonah Lomu, a winger like his dad, was born in France during Jonah’s brief stint with Marseille, meaning international eligibility wouldn’t be an issue.
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Nicknamed ‘Frenchie’ at school in New Zealand, Dhyreille is already turning heads at age-grade tournaments and is showing early signs of serious talent.
Jonah’s time in France came towards the end of his glittering career, which also included a spell at Cardiff Blues. Tragically, the global rugby superstar passed away in 2015.
Jonah finished with 63 caps and 37 tries for New Zealand – and is still widely regarded as the game’s first global megastar.
But while Jonah lit up the rugby field, his sons Brayley, 15, and Dhyreille, 14, are carving their own path – with a tennis ball, not a rugby one.
Their dream of becoming professional athletes led to a switch three years ago from traditional schooling to Te Kura, New Zealand’s correspondence school, so they could maximise their training time.
“Professional sport is hard, but playing tennis is our life. I love all kinds of exercise, and doing online school means we can fit in a lot more training,” says Dhyreille, who strongly resembles his famous dad. “Depending on when we can get court time, I can be playing tennis from 9am until about 7.30pm.”
Their mum Nadene, and grandfather Mervyn, play a huge role in their development – with Mervyn often coaching and shuttling the boys across Auckland for court time.
“The love within our family is pretty special,” says Nadene. “Dad and the boys cruise and gym together. I’m very grateful to have parents who love me.”
The brothers are humble and well-mannered – quick to help, respectful, and focused. Brayley is the quieter of the two, but admits:
“Dhyreille is the most competitive by far!”
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Sir Ian McGeechan ranks the 10 best rugby wingers of all-time
Renowned rugby expert and legendary figure in British and Irish rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, recently took on the daunting task of curating a list of the top 10 greatest wingers who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
10. Rory Underwood (England)
McGeechan said: “Maybe not quite as clever as some of the others but a lethal finisher who was exceptionally quick and very, very strong.” wrote McGeechan.
9. Shane Williams (Wales)
The pint-sized Welsh wizard weaved his magic on the field, showcasing dazzling footwork and a natural rugby intellect that belied his stature.
McGeechan said: “Defied convention because he was so small, but he was powerful and sharp. Wales have not been the same attacking force since he finished. He could raise their game on his own.”
8. Ieuan Evans (Wales)
Another Welsh legend, Evans possessed a keen rugby mind and an uncanny ability to find the try line in crucial moments.
McGeechan said: “Always one of my favourites because of my experiences with him as a British and Irish Lion. Like all the Welsh wingers, he had such a good sidestep but could combine acceleration with that. He was a superb finisher, especially in tight situations.”
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