'England’s very own Jonah' - What happened to the five players who were dubbed the next Lomu? - Ruck

‘England’s very own Jonah’ – What happened to the five players who were dubbed the next Lomu?

There have been few better rugby in the history of rugby than the late great Jonah Lomu. The one. The only. The best.

Many fans still consider the All Black powerhouse as the greatest player in history following his groundbreaking appearances at the 1995 World Cup and beyond.

Due to his stellar reputation and unique playing style, fans and the media have been desperate to find the heir to Lomu’s throne.

Over the years, kits have received the label and it’s safe to say that their journeys have been rather different.

As such, we’ll start with the first man who was dubbed the next Jonah Lomu.

#1. Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand)

The difference was, of course, that Rokocoko preferred to bewilder with sleight of hand — recall his wonderful half dummy en route to a try against Wales in 2004 — a step and evasive skills, whereas Lomu more often than not took route one.

Forty-six tries in 66 Tests isn’t a shabby strike-rate, though. However, he played his last Test at 27, so left us all wanting a bit more, really.

DID YOU KNOW? Although often known as Joe, Rokocoko asked New Zealand rugby management to list his Christian birth name, Josevata, on team releases

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO