New Zealand’s Rugby Players Association has set up a trust fund for Jonah Lomu’s children.
The sport’s first ever superstar, Lomu, died aged 40 last month and the organisation stated that it would create a trust fund as Lomu’s estate would provide insufficient income for the futures of his two sons who are both under 7 years-old.
The All Blacks legend passed away after a long illness having been diagnosed with a rare kidney condition in 1995.
“It appears that because of Jonah’s well-known generosity, he had taken on obligations, financial and otherwise, to support others at the expense of himself, Nadene and the children,” NZRPA chief executive Rob Nichol said.
“It is also apparent that his twenty-year illness and long dialysis sessions, multiple times a week affected him far more than people realised, including his ability to work and earn the type of money people probably assumed he was capable of earning.
“Despite his debilitating illness he was unwaveringly optimistic and clearly had faith he would be able to continue working to meet these obligations and to provide for his family.
“Due to his untimely death, we all know this is sadly not to be, and Jonah is now unable to provide for his boys – for their development, welfare and education,” said Nichol.